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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This paper is output from an Economic and Social Research Council Award (Reference 1506438) funded in partnership with Marine Scotland, The Scottish Government. We would like to extend our thanks to both Allan and Anne Findlay for invaluable conversations during the development of this paper. We are also extremely grateful to the Editor and anonymous reviewers for their insightful suggestions in improving our argument throughout the drafts of this paper. ; Peer reviewed ; Publisher PDF

This paper is output from an Economic and Social Research Council Award (Reference 1506438) funded in partnership with Marine Scotland, The Scottish Government. ; This study explores 'Assemblage' thinking as an approach for population geography research. The paper highlights the recent prominence of Assemblage thinking in human geography, before exploring the potential opportunities for engagement by population geographers. In particular we focus on the production of place as co-constituted by the material (space) and the discursive (knowledge, process and practice). Considering the Assemblage practice of 'Rendering Technical', we reflect on the role that population geography plays in authorising knowledge and supporting policy. This is investigated through a critical taxonomic analysis of recent Scottish demographic data. It is argued on the one hand that this captures key economic and population characteristics of 'place', while on the other hand it offers a limited technical knowledge. We conclude that a reflexive approach to research using Assemblage thinking may challenge the intimate relationship between population geographers and the state. ; Publisher PDF ; Peer reviewed

Paul Tett was partly funded by H2020 project no. 774426, 'The Blue Growth Farm'. ; This paper examines marine planning in Scotland and the extent to which it constrains or enables change towards adaptive governance. An in-depth case study of the partnership-based regional marine planning process is presented, based on interviews and documentary analysis. Drawing on adaptive governance theory, analysis focussed on key themes of: (1) local governance and integration across scales; (2) participation and collaboration; (3) learning, innovation and adaptability; and (4) self-organisation. Results present regional marine planning as an interface between hierarchical and collaborative governance based on empowerment of regional actors, and an attempt to enable co-existence of 'top-down' arrangements with experimentation at smaller scales. In this system, national government provides legal legitimacy, economic incentives and policy oversight; while the partnerships support collaboration and innovation at the regional level, based on strong leadership and participation. Contrasting experience of partnership-working is evident between the large and complex region of the Clyde and the island region of Shetland, where devolved powers and a more cohesive and community-based stakeholder group better facilitate adaptive governance. Overall findings of the study show the tensions of institutionalising adaptive governance and provide insights into how marine planning contributes to governance of marine systems. Firstly, vertical integration between central and decentralised authority in multi-level marine planning arrangements is challenged by an unclear balance of power and accountability between national government and regional marine planning partnerships. Secondly, the interaction between marine planning and existing policy, planning and management emerged as critical, because marine plans may only operate as an instrument to 'guide' management and prevailing, limited adaptive capacity in broader management structures constrains adaptive outcomes. Lastly, adaptive governance requires incremental and rapid response to change, but limited financial and technical resources constrain the depth and scale of reflection and ability to act. Understanding the contribution of marine planning requires clarification of the interaction between marine planning and other management (the extent to which it can influence decision-making in other domains) and, in addressing governance deficiencies, attention is also required on the adaptive capacity of existing and emerging legislative frameworks which govern decision-making and management of activities at sea. ; Publisher PDF ; Peer reviewed

Scottish and UK context The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 established an integrated planning system for the UK's marine environment. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have developed separate marine planning processes with the 2009 Act remaining the overarching legislation. This has resulted in a variety of institutional and governance arrangements across the UK. Marine plans are now integral to marine development and conservation. Decisions to license marine activity or development must take the marine plan into account in reaching a decision as part of a discretionary decision-making process. Scotland's key milestones since the Marine (Scotland) Act (2010) was passed: • Adopted a National Marine Plan 2015 • Identified marine regions to implement regional marine planning 2015 (The Scottish Marine Regions Order 2015 No.193). • Established two marine planning partnerships in Shetland (2016) and Clyde (2017) • Orkney is in the process of establishing a marine planning partnership (2020) Contrasting Scottish and UK marine planning practice to that of Europe, North America and New Zealand has identified key strengths in the Scottish approach and opportunities for learning from other nations.