The competition is the perfect platform for this important Protect Our Waves campaign action as it is held at Scotland’s world-renowned reef breaks, Thurso and Brimms Ness. The CWC Scotland is also a 6- Star WQS surfing event, attracting the best professional surfers and industry sponsors from around the globe to the area, a clear sign of just how important the surfing waves are to the local area.

On the opening day of the Cold Water Classic, at the Brimms Ness contest site, SAS campaigners were joined by O’Neill professional surfer Sam Lamiroy. Sam took the ‘surfer’s throne’ onto the reef to demonstrate the importance of protecting waves in the area. And to remind surfers to take their seat on the Regional Planning Partnership groups.

Earlier in the year, SAS campaigners were the catalyst in ensuring surfers and waveriders won a seat on the Regional Planning Partnerships within the new Scottish Marine Bill. This now gives surfers the official platform to raise any concerns about developments affecting the marine environment and surfing waves at the earliest and most appropriate level. It will require developers to give serious and detailed consideration to protecting wave quality and the integrity of surf spots.

This is a massive campaign victory for SAS, Scottish waveriders and a formal recognition of the importance of surfing to the UK. SAS estimate there are over 300,000 recreational water users in Scotland and this significant marine stakeholder deserved this acknowledgement.

If a surfing community is concerned by the potential effects of offshore or onshore developments to the marine environment or wave quality at their local break, the first steps they need to take are:

1. Contact SAS’s Protect Our Waves Campaign Officer as early as possible
2. Inform your MSP
3. Contact the Scottish Surfing Federation.

This victory reflects the recent high-level recognition by politicians of the importance of protecting Scotland’s premium surfing resources. The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said:

“Scotland has world-class surfing beaches; for example, Thurso hosts an annual world qualifying series event that attracts hundreds of the world’s best surfers. I want surfers to continue to access beaches, including the important beaches at Thurso, Tiree and East Lothian. Just as important is the need to look for opportunities to ensure that our wave resource is recognised, valued and promoted. Surfing has quickly grown into a well-established sport in Scotland, and a great number of Scots and visitors hugely enjoy our beaches and make a significant contribution to local economies.”

SAS continues to support the offshore renewable energy, but stress that surfing must be considered at the very earliest stage to avoid any conflicts of interest. There are a finite amount of quality surf spots along the North coast of Scotland but an abundance of offshore energy. Siting these offshore renewable developments responsibly can ensure that surfers enjoy their quality waves for generations to come and Scotland leads the world in wave and tidal energy.

This morning, ahead of ministers voting on Scottish Marine Bill amendments, SAS took to the water outside the Scottish parliament with surfboards, wind surfs, kayaks, kite surfboards and bodyboards and armed with loud hailers to ensure the voice of water users was heard loud and clear. SAS campaigners were joined by Robin Harper Green SMP who forwarded the amendment on behalf of Scottish water users.

A seat on the regional planning partnerships gives recreational water users the platform to voice any concerns relating to the marine environment. SAS estimate there are over 300,000 water users in Scotland and this significant marine stakeholder deserved a seat.

SAS Scotland rep, Alasdair Steele says: “Scottish water users already act as guardians of our waters. We are passionate and knowledgable and in the right place, we desire this seat.”

SAS Campaign Director Andy Cummins says: “This is great news for Scottish water users. Behind the scenes a lot of lobbying went on and thankfully water users are in a stronger position to protect their waves.”

SAS campaigners will be outside the Scottish Parliament in their wetsuits with surfboards, bodyboards, windsurf sails, kayaks and kite surfing boards, armed with loud speakers, highlighting a diverse and significant stakeholder that deserves a designated seat within the proposed Regional Planning Partnerships debated within stage 3 of the Marine Bill today.

SAS estimate there are over 300,000 recreational water users using Scotland’s beautiful marine environment. This equates to 6% of Scotland’s population, and is a significant marine stakeholder, currently seriously underrepresented.

Robin Harper, Scottish Green Party MSP for the Lothians has submitted an amendment that could ensure the inclusion of recreational water users within the Marine Bill’s Regional Planning Partnerships. SAS are supporting Mr Harper’s amendment, as are Scottish Renewables and the Scottish Environmental Link.

The Scottish Marine Bill is nearing the end of stage 3 and this could be the last chance to ensure Scottish recreational water users are given a voice at the appropriate level and on the proper platform to ensure their concerns are addressed.

The Crown Estate is rightly steering the offshore renewable industry to Scotland as there is an abundance of offshore energy that can help Scotland, and the UK reduce our carbon emission and help secure future energy demands. SAS has consistently supported offshore renewable energy and will continue to do so. Deploying offshore and near shore developments in the right place can avoid potentially detrimental impacts on Scotland’s select world-class surf spots and recreational water sports.

SAS fully support Scotland’s strong commitments to sustainable development and ambitious carbon reduction targets. The Scottish coast is important to a myriad of stakeholders and the Marine Bill offers the unique opportunity to ensure that all these stakeholders are represented and protected. Ensuring recreational waters users are specifically including in Regional Planning Partnerships is vital.

SAS Campaign Director, Andy Cummins says: “It is vital that recreational water user’s voice is heard and we are given a seat within the Regional Planning Partnerships. We are a significant stakeholder in the marine environment, already acting as guardians of the marine environment and our knowledge, passion, presence and perception would help protect Scottish waters for generations to come.”

Robin Harper MSP added: “Regional Planning Partnerships will play a vital role in the management of our marine environment, yet the Marine Bill in its current form makes little or no mention of what these bodies might look like or who might sit on them. We must ensure that these partnerships are properly representative of the many different groups and communities that use our seas, not dominated by narrow interests and the usual suspects.

“There is a real opportunity here for local communities and recreational water users to have their say in the use and development of Scotland’s coastal and near-shore environment. I hope all MSPs from other parties will join me in taking the opportunity to vote for this key amendment on Thursday.”