Marine and coastal restoration plan: island communities impact assessment

5. Conclusion

We recognise that island communities may experience different social, economic, and environmental conditions to one another and the mainland, and note that responses to the consultation have provided feedback and examples of areas where there may be potential impacts or barriers.

In line with section 8(3) of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 we have considered potential significantly different impacts. Based on consultation feedback we have concluded that we cannot rule out differential impacts in future as the plan is implemented. However, given the uncertainty around impacts at this stage it is only possible to consider mitigations in a very general sense, and it will therefore be critical that we continue to assess potential impacts and consider mitigations as we implement the plan and the individual actions within it as different actions may have different impacts (positive and negative) for islands.

The policy actions outlined in the plan are designed to support the acceleration of active restoration across the whole of Scotland in a way that is place based, community led, and flexible and adaptable. We recognise that for the intended outcomes of the plan to be realised for islands, there is a need to understand and accommodate local circumstances. Embedding community focus/leadership in restoration efforts and promoting engagement between practitioners and other marine sectors will help to ensure outcomes and effects are felt as equitably as possible across Scotland.

Actions such as the database, one-stop-shop and facilitating knowledge exchange will all aim to reduce barriers for restoration activity. To ensure this can happen in an equitable way, we will need to work with island communities to consider their specific needs and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.

We propose to retain all the actions outlined in the draft plan but will apply ICIA principles to the implementation of each action, to allow for more detailed consideration of the specific impacts to islands.

ICIA approved by: Caroline Cowan

Position: Deputy Director and Portfolio Lead, Marine Environment, Marine Directorate

Signature: C. Cowan

Date approved: 14 October 2025