Community engagement events for National Marine Plan 2: analysis and synthesis

5 Key findings in relation to NMP2

The key findings of this project are structured in line with Section 5.6 of the PPS, which outlines proposed policy ideas focused on accessibility and wellbeing. The PPS proposes four ideas on accessibility and wellbeing under the following headings:

• Cultural heritage
• Supporting island and coastal communities
• Facilitating appropriate access, including recreation and tourism
• Landscape / seascape

Attendees' responses were reviewed to gather insights on how NMP2’s proposed policy intentions can effectively support communities and address the potential impacts on wellbeing and access to the sea.

These proposals, along with the relevant attendees’ responses, are outlined below.

5.1 Cultural heritage

The PPS states that updates to the NMP2 “would seek to incorporate suggested wider intangible heritage and would be supported by guidance on what is considered under this policy.” (PPS, p.30).

Intangible heritage, according to UNESCO, is defined as “the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.”^[3]

Overall, the proposed policy to incorporate wider intangible heritage aligns well with the spirit of many comments that emphasise the deep cultural and social connections of communities to the sea.

While attendees may not have specifically called for an ‘intangible heritage policy’, their feedback underscores the importance of non-material values connected to the marine environment, which this policy intends to address. For example, one participant highlighted the cultural and safety significance of lighthouses, while the East region specifically noted the potential to use the coast to "inspire creative and cultural heritage activities," such as collecting stories, songs, and artworks from coastal communities. Additionally, many comments emphasised the deep connection between coastal communities and the sea, shaping their identity and sense of place. In the North, one participant stated, "the smaller the island, the more important the sea is an economic and cultural asset," while in the East, someone described the sea as part of their identity. Similarly, in the West, a participant acknowledged the significant cultural heritage of the region.

These insights reflect a strong appreciation for the non-material aspects of coastal communities' relationships with the sea, reinforcing the relevance of incorporating intangible heritage into NMP2, provided that it is clearly defined and reflected in meaningful action.

5.2 Supporting island and coastal communities

The Scottish Government is working on updating the National Islands Plan and “NMP2 will consider how best to support the outcomes of the updated National Islands Plan, recognising the need to consider local priorities in decision-making.” ^[4] The intention to align these two plans and to recognise the local priorities in decision-making is directly supported by several comments from attendees, which is supported by event attendee feedback. For example, one attendee said “challenges and opportunities for islands are different between Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles, and further between individual islands", calling for a distinction between islands and coastal communities saying that they should not be “just lumped together".

The second key aspect of the proposed policies, under the section related to ‘supporting island and coastal communities’, focuses on making sure that any policy designed to support island and coastal communities will “integrate wellbeing elements”. Further, the PPS suggests NMP2 could do this by requiring “consideration of community needs and priorities; and assessment of potential socio-economic impacts on communities and community wellbeing as a common element within the decision-making framework.” This framework is important as it will support and guide decision makers to ensure decisions are made in line with the NMP2. This approach aligns with the numerous comments highlighting the physical and mental health benefits derived from living by the coast and the feeling that wellbeing aspects of the sea are undervalued. It also directly addresses concerns about the effects of marine activities on local economies and the social fabric of coastal areas.

Overall, the policy intent to update the National Islands Plan and align it with NMP2 is both appropriate and well-supported by attendees' feedback, as it emphasises the need to identify local priorities, integrate wellbeing, and recognise the unique challenges facing island and coastal communities. It is important that future decision-making incorporates these considerations.

5.3 Facilitating appropriate access, including recreation and tourism

The proposed policy in the PPS, which “could include a policy dedicated to facilitating appropriate access to the shore and sea”, would be supported considering the concerns raised by attendees during the engagement events. Many participants emphasised the need for improved access to the marine environment, particularly in urban areas, where access is often limited or difficult.

Concerns were also raised about limited infrastructure at the coast, such as harbours and transport, that enable the public and coastal communities to benefit from the marine environment – a specific example given related to employment opportunities at aquaculture sites (also highlighted earlier).

The PPS suggests that it “could cover elements of safeguarding, including lifeline ferry services to support local economies and sectors, such as tourism”, which would help address concerns over support for local economies and tourism, particularly in coastal and island communities.

Overall, this policy intent seems justified based on the information received through the community engagement.

5.4 Landscape / seascape

Attendees frequently mentioned the benefits of living by the coast for their wellbeing and mental health. The PPS statement "Seascape character plays a role in wellbeing, providing a sense of place" directly echoes these sentiments. The aesthetic and experiential qualities of the coast, which contribute to seascape character, are clearly valued by coastal communities. For example, comments relating to enjoying views, the "beauty of the tides", feeling “at peace on a coastal walk", and the “magic” of the west coast all suggest an appreciation of the importance of seascape. The proposed policy to consider impacts on landscape/seascape qualities or character and visual amenity in decision-making reflects the desire of communities to protect these valued aspects of the coastal environment that contribute to wellbeing and sense of place.

However, while wellbeing and sense of place are prominent, attendees did not explicitly mention ‘seascapes’ as a defined term or share detailed concerns about the visual impact of developments in the same way they address ecological impacts, access, or the fishing industry. Attendees’ comments more broadly relate to the positive aspects of the coastal environment and concerns about potential negative changes. Seascape is therefore an important aspect to be addressed but needs to be clearly described given the potential for confusion regarding the term itself.