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

Step Three - Consultation

7. Is there are information already gathered through previous engagements?

Early engagement on the Policy commenced with key stakeholders in July 2024, the outputs of which were analysed and used to inform the proposed policies which were set out in the public consultation held from 22 July to 1 September 2025.

8. How will you carry out your consultation and in what timescales? Public meetings/Local Authorities/key Stakeholders?

The public consultation consisted of two online consultation events which took place in early August 2025. These allowed all members of the public and interested stakeholders to attend and ask questions directly to Scottish Government officials and to hear more about the policy proposals. Separate events were not held for island communities/local authorities; however, the Scottish Islands Federation were aware of the events.

9. What questions will you ask when considering how to address island realities?

In recognition of island circumstances such as dependence on marine sectors, challenges of location and connectivity, and sensitivity to environmental change, a specific consultation question was included in the consultation to identify stakeholder views on whether any distinct effects on island communities could arise from the policy.

We asked the following question during the consultation: ‘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)?’

10. Separate consultation events for Island communities/Local Authorities?

No specific consultation events were undertaken for island communities/local authorities, but interested groups/community members were able to join the online consultation events which were publicly advertised. Further, the Scottish Islands Federation were made aware of the consultation directly.