Red Rocks and Longay - urgent Marine Protected Area: background information

Red Rocks and Longay Urgent MPA

An Urgent MPA was designated in the Inner Sound in March 2021 for the protection of the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius). We have taken a precautionary approach and prohibited all activities with the potential to adversely impact the egg nursery area whilst permanent protection measures are developed.

Proposed permanent measures went to public consultation in February 2022. This included the removal of the prohibition on diving to allow hand fishing for scallops and recreational diving. Diving for scientific purposes may be permitted but users need to apply for a permit (how to apply is detailed below). All other previously prohibited activities were proposed to continue being prohibited. These are listed in the draft permanent MCO.

The public consultation concluded in April 2022.

A permit can be acquired from Marine Scotland Licencing Operations Team to allow particular activities which would otherwise be prohibited within the MPA, so long as they are for the purpose of scientific research and there is no significant risk of the particular activities hindering the achievement of the stated conservation objectives. A full list of these are available in the Marine Conservation Order.

For an application form and further information on the application process, contact MS.MarineLicensing@gov.scot.

Public Notifications – Red Rocks

Making of an Urgent Continuation Order

In order to continue protection within the site whilst public consultation is undertaken, in line with the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, an Urgent Continuation Order (The Red Rocks and Longay Urgent Marine Conservation (No. 2) Order 2021 (Urgent Continuation) Order 2022) was laid in parliament on 3 February 2022 and came into effect on 16 March 2022.

The Urgent Continuation Order extends the duration of The Red Rocks and Longay Urgent Marine Conservation (No. 2) Order 2021.

Supporting documentation and information relating to these orders is available above.

Copies of the Urgent Continuation Order may also be requested by writing to:

Marine Conservation
Area 1B North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Alternatively, the order is available for inspection at the above address. You can email marine_conservation@gov.scot to request a copy or to make arrangements if you would like to inspect the Order in person.

Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area with an associated Marine Conservation Order, and the making of an Urgent Continuation Order

The Red Rocks and Longay (MPA) was urgently designated in March 2021 for protection of critically endangered flapper skate within the Inner Sound of Skye and was re-designated in December 2021 to extend the boundaries of the MPA. An urgent Marine Conservation Order was put in place at the same time on each occasion prohibiting certain activities in the Red Rocks and Longay MPA.

In accordance with sections 75, 87(6) and (7) and 88 (7) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, we hereby give notice that Scottish Ministers propose to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a nature conservation Marine Protected Area (MPA) on a permanent basis and to make an associated Marine Conservation Order (MCO) to further the stated conservation objectives for the proposed Red Rocks and Longay MPA.

A consultation on the proposals to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a permanent MPA with an associated MCO was open 1 February to 26 April 2022. You can access the closed consultation and associated documents on our consultation platform.

In accordance with section sections 75 (2) and 87(7)(b) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, the draft orders and a map identifying the area's boundaries are available for inspection on the consultation hub. Alternatively, a copy of the draft Orders and map can also be requested by writing to the contact details below.