Displaying items by tag: British Marine Scotland

11th November 2019

British Marine Scotland Members Show ‘Optimism & Confidence’ In Their Regional Marine Sector

A recent survey of British Marine members in Scotland “reveals an optimistic, confident sector”, the industry body says.

More than half of respondents to the British Marine Scotland survey earlier this year reported increased business, while two thirds declared development plans they intend to progress over the next five years.

The survey also showed more than two thirds of members saw the regional marine tourism strategy Awakening the Giant — which targets increasing marine’s economic value from £350m to over £450m by next year — as highlighting the sector’s potential.

“This response has further endorsed plans to refresh the strategy for 2020-25,” British Marine Scotland says.

Undertaken in preparation for a “refresh” of the British Marine Scotland business plan, the survey has highlighted “priority areas for development” especially in regards to training, skills and careers in the marine sector.

One response is a shift of focus from already developed boatbuilding and repair training to marina and boatyard skills, with British Marine Scotland saying it has invited partners to discuss what can be done.

The summary report on the survey is available from the British Marine website. A draft update of the Marine Tourism Strategy will be launched at the Scottish Marine Trade and Marine Tourism Symposium in Edinburgh this coming Friday 15 November ahead of a consultation period and launch of the updated strategy next spring.

Published in Scottish Waters

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.