Scotland has some of the best sailing waters in Europe and demand for mooring space is high. To manage the provision of moorings on Crown Estate seabed we have a licensing system in place and staff dedicated to helping coastal communities make the most of this limited resource.
Our marine officers, P-J Korbel and Rob Adam, work with individuals, clubs and associations in the north and west of Scotland where the majority of moorings in Scotland are found. We also maintain close links with other bodies with an interest in moorings such as RYA Scotland, Clyde Moorings Committee and the West Highland Anchorages and Moorings Association.
Navigation in coastal waters is deemed to be a public right, including casting an anchor while in the course of navigation. The laying of a permanent mooring or other equipment to hold a vessel, however, requires our consent.
How do I Apply for a Mooring Position in Scotland?
- Identify a Suitable Mooring Position
You may have a location in mind for your mooring or you may wish to find a suitable location in a general area. In either scenario it is a good idea to discuss with other boat owners to find out whether there are likely to be any issues arising from an application.
You should also contact us before starting the application process, our local agents and marine officers have excellent local knowledge and will be able to advise you before submitting your application. Details of how to contact us are at the bottom of this page.
- Apply for Section 34 Consent
Once you have identified a suitable location for your moorings you need to make an application to the Scottish government for what is commonly known as 'Section 34 Consent' (S34), which arises from the Coast Protection Act 1949 (CPA) and the Scottish government's role in protecting the rights of navigation. Please note that if your chosen position is within a harbour authority area then the procedure may differ. Our marine officers will be able to provide advice if this is the case.
For guidance on the CPA or an S34 application form please visit the Scottish government website:
- Apply for a Crown Estate Licence
You can apply for your Crown Estate licence at the same time as you submit your S34 application, this is recommended as it will speed the process and enable you to get your mooring in the water in good time.
To apply for your Crown Estate licence, please complete our simple application form and submit together with your S34 application, or if already granted, your S34 consent. Please read the guidance notes which are included within the document.
You must provide co-ordinates to three decimal places and specify the co-ordinate system used, this helps us identify the exact location required and helps avoid delays in processing your application.
Once you have received your S34 (or harbour authority) consent and your Crown Estate licence you can go ahead and install your mooring.
For a single mooring the annual charge is £70, but this can be reduced if groups of 10 or more mooring owners join together to form a mooring association.
Moorings in Loch Creran
Loch Creran is a Special Area of Conservation, important for its surpulid reefs and horse mussels. The marine and coastal development unit at Argyll and Bute Council have developed special guidelines for anyone wishing to install a mooring in Loch Creran. The guidelines can be downloaded by following the link below.
Moorings Associations
In order to provide a degree of local management in mooring areas we have helped set up a number of mooring associations across Scotland. Once established, a mooring association is given a lease for an area of seabed enabling it to manage the moorings in their specific area. Moorings associations are suitable for groups of ten or more moorings and provide a degree of security as pressure on areas traditionally occupied by moorings increases. Another advantage of being part of a mooring association is that the annual charge is reduced to £35 per mooring for groups of ten or more.
- Setting up a Mooring Association
A formal mooring association needs to be set up to operate and administer the mooring rights granted. This requires a committee comprising a chair, secretary and treasurer, plus any number of ordinary members as determined by the association itself.
- Mooring Association Agreement
The procedure for applying for a mooring area is the same as for an individual mooring, i.e. S34 or harbour authority consent is still required. Once approved, however, the association will be given an agreement for an area of seabed which specifies the maximum number of moorings to be laid. The association is required to declare annually the number of moorings laid and an annual charge is then calculated.
Following the link for a sample constitution:
Further Enquiries
If you have any questions related to obtaining your Crown Estate consent, or are interested in forming a moorings association, then please contact your local managing agent or one of our west coast marine officers who will be happy to help. Contact details follow.
To find your managing agent please follow the link and click on your area of coastline:
West Coast Marine Officers
Argyll to Nevis & Inner Isles
P-J Korbel
Marine Officer
telephone: 01546 600 123
mobile: 07768 501 111
Nevis to Eriboll and Outer Hebrides (plus Skye)
Rob Adam
Marine Officer
telephone: 01445 741 339
mobile: 07775 652 911
For any further queries, please email us at 
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Further Information
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