Offshore wind energy - draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan: statement of publication participation

How you can get involved

5.1 The consultation will be published in May 2025 and run for a period of 12 weeks. You will be able to view the documents:

• Online at https://consult.gov.scot/;
• At our public events

5.2 Only written representations will be considered by Scottish Government officials, for which a completed Respondent Information Form is required for responses to be counted. You will be able to submit your written responses via the following mechanisms:

• Online via www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations;
• By email to SectoralMarinePlanning@gov.scot; or
• By post to the Sectoral Marine Planning Team, Offshore Wind Directorate, Scottish Government, Area 3G South, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

Public Events

5.3 During the 12 week consultation period, Scottish Government officials will be holding a series of open meetings for stakeholders and members of the public to raise awareness of, and encourage further discussion of the draft updated SMP-OWE and Sustainability Appraisal assessments.

5.4 The intention is to have 17 public consultation events across Scotland, during Spring 2025. These events will take the form of an afternoon drop-in session, followed by an evening presentation to provide more in-depth information, for those who are interested in the detailed aspects of the draft updated SMP-OWE and Sustainability Appraisal assessments.

5.5 The events will aim to:

• Raise awareness of the sectoral marine planning process and ensure that interested parties’ views and knowledge are taken into account;
• Raise awareness of the draft updated SMP-OWE and development process;
• Explain how we have assessed the potential economic, social and environmental impacts of the draft updated SMP-OWE;
• Raise awareness of the statutory consultation process, encourage participation and outline how to provide response(s);
• Answer queries regarding the draft updated Plan and supporting documents; and
• Outline next steps.

5.6 Locations are provided below and further details of the locations and timings of these events will be provided in due course (once the details have been confirmed). These events will be advertised via social media, e-mail, on our website and locally using existing networks, organisations and local press (where possible). Attendees will not be expected to sign up for these events in advance or register their attendance on the day.

SMP Region:

North (5)

Location

• Stornoway
• Carloway/Shawbost, Lewis
• Ullapool
• Kinlochbervie
• Scrabster

North East (3)

Location

• Kirkwall, Orkney
• Inverness
• Buckie

East (5)

Location

• Dundee
• Aberdeen
• Pittenweem
• Peterhead
• Edinburgh

West (3)

Location

• Oban
• Islay
• Colonsay

Shetland (1)

Location

• Lerwick

5.7 Further details, including dates and locations, will be provided in due course, and will also be available on Scottish Government webpage. Three online sessions will also be held throughout the 12-week consultation period.