British Marine Scotland launches national skills drive for leisure marine sector

BM Scotland - Apprentices © British Marine

British Marine Scotland (BMS) is spearheading a major initiative to tackle Scotland's marine skills shortage with the launch of a national training and workforce study, funded by Crown Estate Scotland (CES).

This industry-led project will create a comprehensive picture of technical marine training in Scotland and identify practical solutions to support the sector's long-term growth. The work is focused on the leisure marine sector and small-to-medium sized vessels, covering core technical skills such as boatbuilding, marine engineering, and electronics, as well as composites, marina, mooring and small harbour operations, and supply chain services.

There is a clear crossover with the marine technical skills required for the aquaculture, work boat, and fishing sectors, but Scotland's marine tourism sector alone generates £633 million GVA and supports 31,000 jobs¹ — 44% of all marine sector employment. Boating tourism contributes £84 million GVA and 3,100 full-time equivalent jobs². These technical skills are crucial not only for Scotland's economy but also for the well-being and sustainability of our coastal communities.

BM Scotland - Bridge at Inveruglus - photo © British Marine

The research will be delivered by workforce development specialist Margaret McCole and marine skills specialist David Tournay, under the direction of BMS to ensure findings directly reflect the needs of both boat owners and the wide range of businesses that keep the sector afloat — from boatyards and chandlers to engineers, marina operators, and small-harbour services. BMS has worked for years to strengthen training delivery — including leading the creation of the Modern Apprenticeship Framework for Boat Building and Repair. Yet the challenge is growing: over 80% of Scottish marine businesses report skills shortages, nearly 60% expect staff to retire in the next five years, and only 12% employ apprentices³.

Sarah Kennedy, Chair of British Marine Scotland, said: "British Marine Scotland has championed this work because our members are telling us loud and clear that skills shortages are holding them back. This scoping exercise will provide the hard evidence we need to push for training that meets the real needs of our sector, now and in the future."

Patrick Flockhart, Vice Chair of British Marine Scotland, added: "This is a critical, industry-driven initiative. Without urgent action to train, attract and retain skilled people, Scotland's marine sector will face serious challenges. We're calling on everyone in the industry to get involved."

Ronan O'Hara, Chief Executive, Crown Estate Scotland, said: "Crown Estate Scotland is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of Scotland's marine economy. This project will provide valuable insights into the skills and delivery mechanisms needed to strengthen the leisure marine sector and the communities that depend on it. We look forward to seeing the findings and how they can be used to help secure a thriving future for Scotland's marine industries."

Lesley Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, British Marine concluded by saying: "Our members have highlighted a growing and now critical need for enhanced training within the sector in Scotland and British Marine is delighted that CES are supporting this initiative. We hope this research will inform a strategic approach for delivery of industry standard training, capable of meeting the needs of marine sector employers in Scotland. The sector relies on a skilled and growing workforce and enhanced promotion of the rewarding career opportunities available along with appropriate training provision to encourage routes into and through the sector."

With the national survey about to start, if you're interested in taking part (as an employer, training provider, employee, or stakeholder), please contact: Aileen Monk at or call 07946 822586.

¹ Marine tourism generates £633m GVA and employs 31,000 people in Scotland - source: Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics (2019 & 2022)
² Boating tourism contributes £84 million GVA and 3,100 full-time equivalent jobs - source: Economic Value of Boating Tourism in Scotland Report, 2022, commissioned by British Marine Scotland
³ Over 80% of Scottish marine businesses report skills shortages, nearly 60% expect staff to retire in the next five years, and only 12% employ apprentices - source: British Marine Scotland Workforce Skills and Training Survey 2022