Can you ride your jet ski on Loch Watten? Matter discussed at village meeting
The legalities of jet skiing on Loch Watten were discussed at a meeting of Watten Community Council (WCC) on Monday (October 14).
Members were unsure of the protection status of the loch after reports were received of a person jet skiing at the site.
One WCC member talked of possible access being allowed under “freedom to roam” rights. “If the people are responsible enough then there may be nothing to stop them using the loch for that,” he said.
“But, it’s a contentious issue because we’re unsure if it’s a protected area. It it is then that’ll put the buffers on that and nobody could put their jet skis on it. They have motorboats on it for the fishing but they’re not speeding.
“I think we’ll have to get on to NaturScot [a Scottish Government body responsible for the country's natural heritage].”
Another member thought that Loch Watten’s designation was a higher grade than a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and was specific to wetlands. “Who is going to police this if they try to do it again?”
Scotland's Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives the public the right to access most of Scotland's land and inland water for non-motorized activities, including walking, cycling, canoeing, and swimming. This is known as the "right to roam" or the "right of responsible access".
NatureScot was contacted to verify the legalities of jet skiing at Loch Watten and its spokeswoman said: “Loch Watten forms part of the Caithness Lochs Special Protection Area, which is internationally important for its wintering populations of greylag geese, whooper swans and Greenland white-fronted geese.
“The use of motorised watercraft is not covered by access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, except those vessels adapted for use and being used by a person with a disability. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb birds and other animals, and any incidents of wildlife disturbance should be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101.”
WCC members said they would consider putting signage up forbidding jet skiing on the loch.