Scottish Ports Group Sets Out Six Priorities for Next Scottish Government

The British Ports Association has today published, on behalf of the Scottish Ports Group, a new briefing setting out six key policy priorities for the next Scottish Government, calling for action to unlock investment, support jobs, and strengthen coastal communities.

The Scottish Ports Group: Priorities for the next Scottish Government highlights the role ports play in trade, energy, fishing, tourism, and connectivity across Scotland, and sets out practical steps to support the sector, ahead of the Scottish Parliament election in May.

Scottish ports are already investing in infrastructure to support offshore energy, freight, and the cruise industry, but warn that policy and regulatory challenges risk holding back progress. The briefing sets out a small number of clear, deliverable policy actions for the next Scottish Government to consider.

1. Improve planning and marine consenting to ensure port developments can be delivered at pace and to give investors greater certainty.
2. Resolve regulatory uncertainty affecting floating offshore wind (FLOW), which is already delaying investment decisions.
3. Protect the competitiveness of Scottish cruise ports by opposing the introduction of a cruise levy that could deter vessels and harm local economies.
4. Improve road connectivity and transport links, particularly last-mile connections, to improve freight movement and unlock growth.
5. Maintain support for Scottish fishing ports, including protecting landing requirements and providing long-term funding certainty.
6. Take a balanced approach to energy policy, supporting existing oil and gas activity while accelerating emerging sectors such as offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture, and addressing grid connection costs that are hampering investment.

The full 12-page briefing sets out the practical policy solutions the next Scottish Government should prioritise to help Scotland’s ports reach their full potential.

The Scottish Ports Group is the only industry-led forum representing Scotland’s ports and harbours, bringing together trust ports, privately-owned ports, and local authority-run facilities across Scotland. The full briefing, Scottish Ports Group: Priorities for the next Scottish Government below.