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

Step Seven – Publishing your ICIA

16. Does your ICIA need to be presented in Gaelic or any other language?

No, the ICIA screening report will not be published in Gaelic and will only be published in English. The justification for this decision is because the OW EAR SSI and underpinning Policy does not target specific islands where Gaelic is a common language and because no consultation responses were received in Gaelic.

17. Where will you publish your ICIA, and will relevant stakeholders be able to easily access it?

This screening report will be published on the Scottish Government webpage and on the UK Legislation webpage, as soon as possible following the laying of the OW EAR SSI, in line with requirements.

18. Confirm appropriate level of sign off?

This screening report will be signed off by the Offshore Wind Deputy Director.

A full Islands Community Impact Assessment is NOT required.

In preparing the ICIA, I have formed an opinion that our policy, strategy or service is NOT likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities). The reason for this is detailed below.

Reason for not completing a full Islands Communities Impact Assessment:

The legislation and Policy sets an enabling framework for the delivery of compensatory measures for offshore wind. It does not mandate or impose specific types or locations for compensatory measures. Impacts on island communities would be dependent on the type and location of specific measures and not from this legislation and Policy itself, therefore it has been concluded that a full ICIA is not required.

Screening ICIA completed by:

Islay McLauchlan

Position

Offshore Energy Environmental Policy Officer, Planning Assessment Compensation and Evidence Division, Offshore Wind Directorate

Signature and date

Islay McLauchlan, 21.11.25

ICIA authorised by:

Lucy Law

Position

Deputy Director, Planning Assessment Compensation and Evidence Division, Offshore Wind Directorate

Signature and date

Lucy Law, 16.12.25