Marine plans wins Scottish award

A plan developed with communities across the north of Scotland to help manage the marine environment in and around Orkney has won a national award for its pioneering joint working.

The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan – developed jointly by Orkney Islands Council, the Highland Council and Marine Scotland – scooped the Partnership Working category at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (SAQP).

Judges praised the plan’s “dedication to the local landscape and the significance of water within the Highlands and Islands” and “evident passion to ensure the best use of local resources and natural assets.”

Councillor James Stockan, chairman of the OIC’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “I am delighted for the team, for the council, and for the communities who so enthusiastically fed into what was a huge engagement, and ultimately helped put in place a plan which draws together all the users of our ocean space.”

He added: “This is pioneering work of the highest order and shows the world that remote areas really can lead the way for how these things can and should be done.”