Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, today backed plans to grow the value of marine tourism in Scotland. Jamie was speaking in a debate on the subject this afternoon in the Scottish Parliament where he also spoke out about concerns at the lack of progress in achieving Oban’s transit marina and about pending changes to the operation of the Crown Estate in Scotland. The Scottish Government has a target to grow the marine tourism sector’s value to £450 million per annum by 2020.Speaking in the debate Jamie said:“ The Scottish Conservatives recognise the importance of marine tourism to the Scottish economy and I am particularly aware of its economic significance in my region of the Highlands & Islands, especially in some of our more remote and island communities where it brings in much needed income and helps sustain valuable jobs. The Highlands & Islands of course have some of the best environments for marine tourism in Europe if not the world, from the famous Crinan and Caledonian canals to the tropical-esque blue waters of the Western Isles to our wonderful marine wildlife and indeed our wind resource which can be perfect for windsurfing.“ The boating sector in Scotland is vibrant and diverse and alone generates around £100 million per annum but we need to expand capacity. The Scottish Government’s marine tourism strategy correctly identifies the need to improve harbour and marina infrastructure and increase the provision of pontoons and jetties around Scotland’s coast. The need for new pontoons and a transit marina for visiting boats in Oban- already well known as the gateway to the isles- has been a big issue in the town for years now and has been championed by Oban Bay Marine- to whom I pay tribute- and many local businesses. They are incredibly frustrated- and I share that frustration- that all the hard work they have undertaken has not yet led to this project moving ahead and want to see Argyll & Bute Council take a more constructive, pro-active and urgent approach. It has been eight years since the council adopted a transit marina as part of the proposed redevelopment of a number of towns in Argyll. A town centre transit marina would be a big boost to the local economy; indeed Oban Bay Marine estimate Oban is losing £1 million per year each year the project is delayed. We need to see this project move ahead without further delay so that Oban businesses can benefit from an increase in recreational boats and yachts stopping in this wonderful Argyll town.“ It would be remiss of me not to highlight the significant concerns of marine tourism businesses, such as boat yard operators, about the pending changes to the operation of the Crown Estate in Scotland which they fear might lead to an increase in ground rent charges. A number of concerned businesses in my region have already contacted me on this subject and I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary earlier this year on their behalf. I know that the Cross Party Group for Marine Tourism & Recreational Boating has also taken up this issue with the government. In addition, the Royal Yachting Association has spoken out, citing its very constructive working relationship with the Crown Estate and raising concerns about the possible transfer of current Crown Estate functions to local authorities. Marine tourism and boat yard businesses in my region have made it very clear to me that the Crown Estate currently manages local harbours and mooring areas in a highly professional, efficient and successful way, involving local groups in decision-making. This has been my experience of the Crown Estate more generally over the years also. And crucially, the Crown Estate have developed a team of people who have a great deal of expertise and exceptional knowledge. It is absolutely vital that we do not lose this and that we avoid putting in place a new system which increases costs on marine businesses, potentially reducing the number of boats in our harbours, something that could have such a negative effect on coastal communities. I strongly urge Ministers to take on board the very real concerns that exist in this area.”