Current status: Answered by Jim Mather on 17 September 2008
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans there are to provide financial assistance to the marine leisure industry.
Scottish Enterprise (SE) will be providing support for sailing infrastructure developments in Stranraer and Largs. SE continues to work with Clyde Waterfront Strategic Partnership to exploit opportunities to increase marine leisure opportunities on the Clyde. Further information on these projects can be found at www.clydewaterfront.com
The marine leisure sector is recognised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a growth sector and a product development opportunity in line with the tourism framework for change strategy. Future plans include a European project to develop sailing between Ireland and the west coast of Scotland, 12 projects, mainly infrastructure, for Argyll and Lochaber, work by Scottish Development International to attract appropriate inward investment and a study to identify the opportunities for marina destination infrastructure developments within Scotland.
VisitScotland will continue to market Scotland''s sailing product through marketing and PR activity such as their dedicated website, http://sail.visitscotland.com/, the production of a sailing brochure, specific advertising campaigns, and promotion of sailing events.