Draft Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan
Feedback updated 12 Dec 2025
We asked
On 29th July 2025 the Scottish Government published a consultation seeking views on a draft Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan. Publishing the plan is a commitment under the first Delivery Plan for the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) Objective 1: to accelerate restoration and regeneration. A total of 88 responses were received to the consultation. Sixty-one responses were submitted by organisations, with the remaining 27 responses from individuals. The consultation was structured around the five themes within the draft plan, each of which included a series of proposed objectives and underpinning actions. The consultation sought views on respondents’ priorities for the plan and whether actions should be included in this plan, future plans or not at all. Once respondents provided their views on the five themes, there were also more general questions relating to views on the contribution the plan as drafted would make to accelerating restoration in Scottish coasts and waters, and the overall content.
You said
Analysis of consultation responses was carried out by social research agency The Lines Between. For each theme, the package of objectives and actions generally received good levels of support. The consultation yielded very rich and helpful suggestions for how actions could be implemented. There was also support for the plan as a whole and its potential to accelerate active restoration in Scotland. The main recurrent theme from respondents with critical feedback, was the focus of the plan on active restoration. The Scottish Government Response to Consultation outlines our response to the results of that analysis (including issues raised which we will need to consider as actions within the plan are implemented) and how we have used the outcomes of the consultation to finalise the plan and associated impact assessments. Our response looks first at overall feedback on the draft plan - including overall priorities across the themes - and then the analysis for each of the five themes in turn.
We did
The consultation responses generated a large amount of constructive feedback which will be invaluable in implementing actions within the plan. Based on the feedback provided, we have not removed or significantly amended the existing objectives and actions which were proposed in the draft plan, but have added one action under Theme 1: Restoration opportunities and priorities, to work with nature conservation advisors to identify potential opportunities for active restoration in areas where measures to manage pressures are in place (see more detailed section on Theme 1 below). We recognise that some stakeholders have fundamental concerns about the scope of the plan, in particular the primary focus on active restoration rather than pressure management (or ‘passive’ restoration). We recognise the intrinsic links with pressure management. This is why we have been clear throughout the development of the plan that pressure management is within the remit of the plan where it is needed to support active restoration. Given the significant body of policy work with a focus on pressure management already underway or in development, the actions set out in this plan primarily target active restoration in the first instance as this is an area where Scottish Government has not had a clear policy to date, unlike with pressure management. However, the plan includes a specific action to ensure that pressure management supports active restoration where necessary, and elements of pressure management are a core part of several actions across the plan. Further measures relating to pressure management may be revisited as part of the five-year review cycle of the plan. As we implement the plan we will also continue to link in with wider marine environmental policies.
Our response on this point is covered in more detail in the Scottish Government Response to Consultation. The finalised plan has been published and includes the full list of objectives and actions which will be implemented over the five years covered by this first plan.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
Overview
This consultation is on the draft Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan, the first plan of its kind in Scotland with a dedicated focus on the marine and coastal environment. The plan will work to address the growing pressures on our marine environment and set out how we intend to accelerate marine restoration in Scotland, including identifying actions to help prioritise habitats and locations suitable for restoration.
Accelerating active restoration in Scotland’s marine and coastal areas has the potential to enhance the resilience of our environment and support livelihoods of people in rural and coastal communities. Policy development for the plan has been informed by discussions with a cross-sectoral stakeholder advisory group who brought a wide range of perspectives to the table.
Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper provides further information on the proposed actions and outcomes for the plan. An Environmental Report and Partial Business and Regulatory impact Report have also been prepared as part of this consultation.
Consultation questions preview
The consultation questions listed here for your reference. Please click 'Begin consultation' at the bottom of this page to proceed.
Themes 1 - 5:
On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you prioritise each of the objectives in this theme?
Please choose for each action in this theme whether it should be: included in this plan, reserved for the future, or not included.
Is there any further information you would like to share with us on the objectives or actions in this theme?
Overall approach and plan content:
Overall, do you think this plan will support acceleration of restoration in Scottish coasts and waters?
Do you agree with the content of the plan?
Are there any actions or objectives that you feel are missing and should be included and prioritised for the first Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan?
Noting that we will develop a monitoring and evaluation approach for implementation and review of the plan, do you have any comments you wish us to consider at this stage?
Impact assessments:
Do you think that the SEA Environmental Report is an accurate representation of the potential impacts (positive or negative) on the environment resulting from the objectives and actions proposed in this plan?
Do you agree that the partial BRIA is an accurate representation of the potential costs, benefits and risks on the public, private or third sector, and regulators, associated with the objectives and actions proposed in this draft plan?
Do you think that objectives and actions proposed in this draft plan will have an impact that is significantly different (positive or negative) for some or all island communities than for other communities (including other island communities)?
Do you think that the objectives and actions proposed in this draft plan will have an impact (positive or negative) on protected characteristics, with particular regard to eliminating unlawful discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and promoting good relations?
Do you think that the objective and actions proposed in this draft plan will have an impact (positive or negative) on children’s rights and wellbeing?
Useful information about responding to this consultation
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.
On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.
After the consultation has closed it may take a few months before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.
An analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
Why your views matter
Scotland’s marine environment belongs to us all, and we are keen to hear feedback on the plan from a wide range of marine users. We will use the responses provided in this consultation to refine the final package of actions that will be in the plan.
We will also hold a series of information events in-person across Scotland, where you can come along to find out more about the plan, what restoration is and how it can benefit our environment and communities, and ask any questions. The schedule is detailed under the events tab below, so you can find out when there will be an event near you. There will be no need to register for these events beforehand.
Events
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Edinburgh - Information event
From 25 Aug 2025 at 14:00 to 25 Aug 2025 at 19:00Leith Community Centre
12A Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6ADAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Dundee - Information event
From 27 Aug 2025 at 14:00 to 27 Aug 2025 at 19:00Discovery Point
Discovery Quay, Dundee, DD1 4XAAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Eyemouth - Information event
From 29 Aug 2025 at 14:00 to 29 Aug 2025 at 19:00Gunsgreen House
Gunsgreen Quay, Eyemouth, TD14 5SDAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Aberdeen - Information event
From 2 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 2 Sep 2025 at 19:00Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel
10-14 Union Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1WEAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Dornoch - Information event
From 9 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 9 Sep 2025 at 19:00Dornoch Station
Grange Road, Dornoch, IV25 3LFAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Orkney - Information event
From 11 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 11 Sep 2025 at 19:00Stromness Community Centre
Church Rd, Stromness, KW16 3BAAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Kirkcudbright - Information event
From 17 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 17 Sep 2025 at 19:00Kirkcudbright Community Centre
St Mary's Wynd, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JUAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Ayr - Information event
From 18 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 18 Sep 2025 at 19:00Ayr Town Hall
21-29 New Bridge St, Ayr, KA7 1JXAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Lerwick - Information event
From 23 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 23 Sep 2025 at 19:00Lerwick Town Hall
Hillhead, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HBAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Campbeltown - Information event
From 30 Sep 2025 at 14:00 to 30 Sep 2025 at 19:00Kintyre Community Education Centre
Stewart Rd, Campbeltown PA28 6ATAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Oban - Information event
From 1 Oct 2025 at 14:00 to 1 Oct 2025 at 19:00The Rockfield Centre
Rockfield Rd, Oban, PA34 5DQAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Mallaig - Information event
From 2 Oct 2025 at 14:00 to 2 Oct 2025 at 19:00Mallaig And Morar Community Centre
Mallaig, PH41 4PXAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Ullapool - Information event
From 4 Oct 2025 at 14:00 to 4 Oct 2025 at 19:00Ullapool Village Hall
4 Market St, Ullapool IV26 2XEAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
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Stornoway - Information event
From 6 Oct 2025 at 14:00 to 6 Oct 2025 at 19:00Town Hall
20 South Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2BJAn in-person event, where members of the public are invited to drop-in to learn about the Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan and ask questions related to the consultation between 14:00-19:00.
Dates and venues are to be confirmed so please check back here prior to attending an event.
Interests
- Environment and Climate Change
- Main hub
- Marine and Fisheries
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