Plans for a new fee to use small boats on the River Clyde have sparked widespread anger among boat owners, leisure groups, and politicians. Peel Ports Clydeport, the harbour authority managing the waters, is proposing an annual charge of £100 for leisure craft between 6m and 24m in length, but the reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.
Fee Proposal: What’s Being Suggested
Peel Ports Clydeport, responsible for managing over 450 square miles of the Clyde and nearby waters, has introduced a plan called the “leisure vehicle conservancy fee.” The proposal outlines an annual fee structure:
- £100 + VAT for boats regularly using the area year-round.
- £75 for seasonal (summer-only) use.
- A daily fee for visiting vessels.
The fee aims to offset costs associated with managing leisure activities, including marking, surveying, and recovering abandoned vessels, as well as maintaining navigational aids. Peel Ports says it has witnessed a rise in adrift and sunken vessels and increased recovery costs in recent years.
The charging zone would stretch from Glasgow’s Albert Bridge down to the Isle of Arran, encompassing sea lochs such as Loch Fyne and Gare Loch. However, critics argue the move unfairly penalizes smaller boat users while larger commercial vessels remain the primary source of revenue for similar charges in other regions.
Community Concerns: “Unfair and Unreasonable”
Small boat owners have been vocal about their frustrations, describing the proposed fee as disproportionate and harmful to leisure tourism and traditional activities like fishing. Members of the Port Glasgow Boating Club, a small group in Inverclyde, expressed concerns that the charge could alienate older boat owners and those on fixed incomes.
Craig Scholte, an offshore worker and club member, shared his worries about affordability for retirees who depend on boating as a social activity. “I don’t see any added benefit from this fee,” he said. “It’s not like Peel Ports is helping us recover our boats if something goes wrong. This feels more like extortion than a service fee.”
Ian Clark, another local boat owner, echoed similar frustrations, criticizing Peel Ports for offering nothing to the community in return. “They’ve taken grants, made profits, but given nothing back. For retired boat owners, it’s another financial hurdle that makes life less comfortable,” he said.
Many members of the Port Glasgow Boating Club are retired workers from the Clyde’s once-thriving shipbuilding industry. For them, the river holds deep cultural and historical significance. Beyond boating, their club serves as a hub for social gatherings, where members meet daily to share tea and stories, even during Scotland’s harsh winters.
Comparisons and Exemptions
Critics have pointed out that other Scottish harbour authorities take a more lenient approach to leisure craft. For example:
- Forth Ports exempts small leisure boats from charges in the Firth of Forth and Tay.
- Argyll & Bute Council adopts a similar policy in areas around Oban.
Peel Ports, however, already charges small boat owners at its Medway facility in Kent and claims the Clyde fees are in “early stages” of consideration.
The Economic Impact
Politicians and marine organizations are warning that the proposal could damage Scotland’s marine tourism economy. Stuart McMillan, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP, chairs Holyrood’s cross-party group on recreational boating and has launched a petition opposing the fee.
In a strongly worded letter to Peel Ports director Jim McSporran, McMillan raised concerns that the charge would discourage boating activity in the region. “This plan risks deterring visitors, harming local businesses, and damaging our tourism economy,” he wrote.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has also criticized the fee, stating that while harbour authorities have the right to impose charges, they must be “reasonable” and limited to specific services provided.
Rising Tensions: Lack of Consultation
Boat owners and local groups are particularly frustrated by the lack of engagement from Peel Ports. The company has yet to attend any meetings with Holyrood’s cross-party group on recreational boating, despite being invited twice to discuss the proposal.
“There’s been no meaningful consultation,” said Ian Clark. “Peel Ports seems uninterested in hearing the voices of those directly impacted.”
A formal consultation is planned, with Peel Ports inviting marine users to share their views. However, skeptics fear it may be a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine opportunity to influence decisions.
Historical Ties and Cultural Significance
The Clyde has long been a lifeline for Scotland, not just economically but culturally. Many of the boat owners affected by the proposed fee are retired shipyard workers who played a role in Glasgow’s storied maritime history.
One club member reflected on the stark contrast between the Clyde’s past and present. “This river built ships that went around the world,” he said. “Now they’re trying to charge us just to enjoy it. It feels like they’re taking something that belongs to everyone and making it exclusive.”
What’s Next?
With a parliamentary debate on the fee scheduled for February, opposition to the plan is gaining momentum. Cross-party support for Stuart McMillan’s motion suggests the issue could draw significant political attention.
For now, the boating community is bracing for a fight. Many believe this isn’t just about fees—it’s about preserving the Clyde as a shared space for locals, tourists, and hobbyists alike.
