On a warm, sunny day down on the Ayrshire coast it is always pleasant watching the many small boats bobbing about out on the Clyde. But they faced an unwelcome charge plans were unveiled to charge a £100 annual fee to use small boats in the Firth of Clyde. But the proposal provoked a backlash from politicians and small boat owners who argued it would harm tourism and activities like recreational fishing and boating. Some local boat owners branded it a “cash grab” when details of Peel Ports’ proposals first emerged late last year. This news, like the dropping of the annual charges for small boats, should be welcomed and maybe shows that even large corporations listen.

Source: The Herald December 21, 2025 16:31 UTC