Recreational Activities on the Coast

Marine tourism is a key aspect of Scotland's tourism and economy, making up 14% of all tourism in 2017 (Scottish Government, 2020).  71% of Scottish residents reported visiting Scottish beaches, sea or other coastline over 2022 (Scottish Government, 2023). From the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, the top three reasons for choosing to visit Scotland were; scenery and landscape, history and culture, and outdoor activities available (VisitScotland, 2024). 

Amongst the top five attractions or activities undertaken/visited in Aberdeenshire in 2023, 31% undertook a hill walk, mountaineering, hike or ramble (VisitScotland, 2024). The East Grampian Coast provides areas for many recreational activities including walking/dog walking, cycling, wildlife watching, watersports (e.g. kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, swimming), wildfowling, and angling.

Due to the nature of the coast it is difficult to determine visitor numbers and how many people are undertaking recreational activities in the East Grampian Coast region. However, Fig. 1 shows mapped results of the Scottish Marine Recreation and Tourism Survey 2015 and indicates where there are hotspots of coastal usage by recreational activity. For example, wildlife watching, walking, and surfing/paddleboarding activities are undertaken all along the coastline. In comparison, wildfowling and coastal climbing take place in more specific areas where the terrain or permissions allow these activities to take place.

It is worth noting that there is inequality in how the Scottish public accesses the coast. The following groups are less likely to access the coast than others: those with a disability or health condition, ethnic minority communities, those living in deprived (SIMD 1/2) urban areas, and young people aged 16-34. There are potential options for improving access to the coast for all including: improving transport links to the coast, reducing transport costs, ensuring a cleaner water/environment at the coast, and more easily accessible information about visiting the coast (Scottish Government, 2023).