Guidance for responding to the Sectoral Marine Plan.

In 2020, the Scottish Government’s consultation on Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) options received few responses from residents of Lewis who would be most affected by impacts of the inshore N4 development.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as the relevant authority, was required to respond. The Comhairle cited the community’s ‘strong support’ for the N4 inshore development.

As an example of the importance of community responses to Scot gov’s consultations, residents closest to the SW1 proposed development in the Southwest of Scotland submitted 350 objections which resulted in the SW1 option being removed from the ScotWind lease round. It is incredibly important that the Scottish Government Marine Planning sector hear YOUR thoughts, particularly on their Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA). This is Question 13 on the response document.

You don’t need to answer every question but please do respond to this one. The Island Communities Impact Assessment can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/draft-updated-sectoral-marine-plan-offshore-wind-energy-islands-communities-impact-assessment/

We at EMG realise how overwhelming these questions have been designed to be. We have developed some guidance that will hopefully support you in your response to the SMP.

You can download the guidance HERE.