To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated value is to the Scottish economy of outdoor recreation on the coast.

The Scottish Government does not hold comprehensive information on this subject. However estimates of the value to the economy of some types of outdoor recreation for some areas of Scotland are available from the British Marine Federation, the World Wildlife Fund and other organisations.

For example, the federation estimate that the annual economic impact of the marine leisure industry in Scotland is £250 million, supporting around 7,000 jobs, with sailing accounting for £130 million of this. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that coastal tourism in Scotland contributes £375 million to the economy. Sportscotland estimates that sea angling is worth around £150 million, and we are near the end of a study to give us a more precise estimate, while recreational diving is worth upwards of £5 million.

At the local level, quite small economic impacts can have a major benefit. The Tiree Wave Classic is supported by EventScotland and is estimated to bring £1 million to the Tiree economy each year. The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust estimate that between 480,000 and 580,000 visitors used the Fife Coastal Path between July 2005 and June 2006, generating between £24 million and £29 million of revenues, and supporting 800 to 900 jobs in Fife.