The Scottish Ports Group has released a briefing that sets out six policy priorities for the incoming Scottish Government, a move timed just weeks before the Scottish Parliament election in May.
Six priorities in detail
The British Ports Association published the briefing on 23 April 2026 on behalf of the Scottish Ports Group. It calls for:
- Planning reform – improved planning and marine consenting to speed up port‑related projects.
- Floating offshore wind (FLOW) – removal of regulatory uncertainty to unlock further investment in offshore wind farms.
- Cruise tourism – protection of the competitiveness of Scottish cruise ports by opposing a new cruise levy.
- Transport links – better road connectivity and last‑mile transport options for freight and passengers.
- Fishing – continued support for Scottish fishing ports, including clear landing requirements and funding certainty.
- Energy – a balanced policy that backs oil and gas while accelerating offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
These six points are presented as a small number of clear, deliverable actions that the next administration should consider.
Why the agenda matters for the UK
Scotland’s ports handle a substantial share of the United Kingdom’s maritime trade. The briefing notes that ports are already investing in infrastructure to support offshore energy, freight and the cruise industry, but warns that policy and regulatory challenges could hold back progress. By urging planning reform and certainty for floating offshore wind, the group aims to protect jobs that depend on continued investment in the sector.
For cruise tourism, the call to oppose a levy reflects concerns that higher costs could make Scottish ports less attractive to cruise lines, potentially reducing visitor spending in coastal towns across the UK. Improved transport links are framed as essential for moving goods efficiently from ports to inland markets, a factor that directly influences supply‑chain reliability for UK businesses.
The energy priority seeks to balance existing oil and gas activity with the UK’s broader net‑zero goals. By supporting offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture, the briefing aligns Scottish port development with national energy transition plans, which could affect energy pricing and security for the whole of Britain.
Political timing and industry context
The briefing’s release just before the Scottish Parliament election signals that ports are seeking to place these issues high on party manifestos. The document is a 12‑page briefing that highlights the role ports play in trade, energy, fishing, tourism and connectivity across Scotland.
The Scottish Ports Group is described as the only industry‑led forum representing Scotland’s ports and harbours, bringing together trust ports, privately‑owned ports and local authorities. By publishing through the British Ports Association, the group gains a UK‑wide platform for its policy recommendations.
What remains unknown
The briefing does not disclose how each priority will be funded, nor does it provide a timeline for implementation. It also stops short of quantifying the economic impact of the proposed changes – for example, the number of jobs that could be created or preserved by a smoother planning process.
Stakeholders such as port operators, local councils and trade bodies will be watching the election outcome to see whether any party adopts the six‑point agenda. Until a government response is published, the exact policy shifts remain speculative.
Summary of the six‑point agenda
| Priority | Key focus |
|---|---|
| Planning reform | Improved planning and marine consenting |
| Floating offshore wind | Resolve regulatory uncertainty for FLOW projects |
| Cruise tourism | Oppose a cruise levy to protect port competitiveness |
| Transport links | Enhance road connectivity and last‑mile transport |
| Fishing | Secure landing requirements and funding certainty |
| Energy | Balance oil & gas support with offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture |
Source: British Ports Association – Scottish Ports Group: Priorities for the next Scottish Government (23 April 2026).