Conservation of Habitats and Species (Offshore Wind) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2026: ICIA screening report

Step Two – gather your data and identify your stakeholders

3. What data is available about the current situation in the islands?

Specific quantitative data is not currently available on the potential impact of the Policy delivery on Scottish islands. However, an assessment has been conducted on the impacts of Scotland’s wider offshore wind ambitions as part of policy development for the draft Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy. Further details on the impact of Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions on Island Communities can be found in the draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) Islands Communities Impact Assessment (https://www.gov.scot/publications/draft-updated-sectoral-marine-plan-offshore-wind-energy-islands-communities-impact-assessment/).

Through the Policy consultation, which set out the proposed Habitats Regulations reforms for offshore wind (for implementation through an SSI and associated guidance), data was gathered relating to the potential impact on islands from the policy and whether that differs from other communities and between island communities by way of a specific consultation question. The consultation question asked: ‘Do you think that this Policy will have an effect on an island community which is different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities)?’ In total, 43 responses were received to the consultation overall. The total number of responses in relation to this specific island impact question was 28 which was from 28 organisations. No individuals responded to this question. Analysis of the consultation responses received to this question is included under “Step 4: Assessment”.

4. Who are your key stakeholders?

Key stakeholders for this policy include the UK Government, other devolved administrations, public sector bodies and regulators including SNCBs, the offshore wind sector, the fishing sector, other marine industries, eNGOs, research and science bodies, coastal and island communities and representative bodies such as island community representative organisations (e.g., the Scottish Islands Federation).

5. How does any existing data differ between islands?

See response to question 3 above. The Policy consultation asked specifically for information on the potential differential impact of the policy on island communities.

6. Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place?

As the OW EAR SSI and underpinning policy is not aimed at any specific island communities as set out under question 2 above, there are no existing design features or mitigations in place in relation to the SSI and policy itself.

However, data has been gathered through the Policy consultation to understand stakeholder views on impacts of the Policy on island communities. Wider ambitions for offshore wind for islands are set out in the following ICIA which assesses impacts on island communities: https://www.gov.scot/publications/draft-updated-sectoral-marine-plan-offshore-wind-energy-islands-communities-impact-assessment/.