About Us
The Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYA Scotland) has two distinct roles. Firstly we are a membership organisation charged with looking after the interests of individuals, clubs, training centres and affiliates of the RYA in Scotland. Secondly we are the recognised governing body for sailing in all it’s forms in Scotland.
The first of these roles is directly supported by the membership of the RYA and the second is supported by sportscotland, the national agency for sport and the National Lottery.
Our work is diverse. Between the staff and volunteers of RYA Scotland we plan, run and deliver programmes of activity that cover narrow boating, powerboating and motorcruising, dinghy, keelboat and yacht sailing, volunteer, coach and club development, elite athlete development and racing, environmental awareness, advice to government, local authorities and coastal developers and a multitude of other activities to protect the rights and promote the interests of the boating community in Scotland.
RYA Scotland are led by a voluntary board of directors who represent all aspects of boating in Scotland.
RYA Scotland has a range of specialist volunteers who assist different aspects of boating activities in Scotland.
Our staff help protect and promote boating in Scotland through our ability to pull together collectively and collaboratively for the best results across varied communities and activities.
We set out with a strategy based around the People, Places and Communities we support and we are pleased to share a report on some of the differences we have made over the first year.
Read the RYA Scotland Strategic Plan 2022-2025 to find more about our plans under People, Places and Communities
The RYA Scotland Articles of Association can be viewed here.
The RYA Scotland Risk Management Policy sets out guidance relating to the recognition and management of major organisational risks.
View our policy & guidelines, plus what to do if you have a concern
This policy acts in conjunction with the RYA Anti-bribery policy upholding the letter and spirit of the Bribery Act 2010
RYA Scotland places a high value on all of our volunteers and appreciates that we have a duty to train, support and recognise everyone who becomes engaged as a volunteer.
We are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be the first and only Sport Governing Body in Scotland to hold the LGBT Youth Scotland Foundations Charter and to have been the first in Scotland to achieve the Sport Council’s Advanced Equality Standard.
Learn about the RYA approach and policies to ensure fair and equal treatment for all.
The LGBT Charter helps safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s human rights, particularly in receipt of services, as customers and for all boating activities.
RYA Scotland is committed to ensuring boating is accessible and attractive to the widest possible audience. We share our expertise, work with partners and always respect and embrace diversity.
RYA Scotland recognises the challenges to boating that are being posed by climate change and associated issues, both directly in terms of weather and indirectly through potential legislation on the one hand and increased costs on the other. We will continue to work with the RYA and other partners to provide support for our people, places and communities to help them secure a sustainable future for recreational boating in all its forms.
RYA Scotland's Environmental Policy links the shared RYA commitment to complying with applicable environmental legislation, preventing pollution, identifying and minimising risks to the environment.
Advice and information on how the RYA supports members and affiliates with planning and licensing issues, and how we respond to marine licence applications.
RYA Scotland updated its Sustainability Action Plan in January 2023. The Action Plan seeks to address key international concerns about the environment, along with wider sustainability issues such as labour rights and anti-corruption linked to the RYA Strategic Sustainability Plans for delivering in Scotland.
RYA advice and guidance on sustainable boating best practice and environmental issues.
The Green Blue is the joint environmental awareness programme of the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine. The programme works to promote the sustainable use of coastal and inland waters by boating and watersports participants, as well as the sustainable operation and development of the recreational boating industry.
Find out more on The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
