Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Commenting on reports today [Friday] that the Scottish Executive may be increasing the number of designated ports where whitefish can be landed, the Scottish National Party’s Shadow Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead MSP said:
“The SNP have consistently pressed for the ridiculous rules restricting the number of designated ports to be changed, and it appears that the Scottish Executive are now buckling under intense pressure.
“I raised this issue in the Scottish Parliament as recently as Wednesday. There is nothing confirmed yet, but reports suggest that Whitehills, Wick and Arbroath may be added to the list of designated ports. In addition, Macduff and other small whitefish ports should also be included, which are currently being discriminated against.”
SNP Westminster leader and local MP Alex Salmond– who along with his SNP colleagues Mike Weir MP (Arbroath) and Angus Robertson MP (Moray) met with UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw on Monday to discuss this issue – said:
“As well as the viability of the fishing industry, this is also about safety at sea. At present, we have the ludicrous situation that a boat finding itself in difficulty must steam to a designated port. This can lead to boats having to sail for many miles in treacherous conditions.
“If the rules are to be changed – as they must – then they must be changed now. It is intolerable that safety at sea should be compromised for one day longer because of an unintended consequence of last December’s disastrous fisheries deal in Brussels.”
Arbroath SNP MP Mike Weir said:
“I am heartened by the reports that the Executive are finally giving serious consideration to the views and concerns of local fishermen. The flaws in the permit scheme are potentially very dangerous to fishermen and disastrous for the local economy of Arbroath.
“It is imperative, however, that action is taken as a matter of urgency and that this does not become bogged down in long discussions. Arbroath fishermen need to know where they stand in relation to the designation and the permit scheme now.”
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson also welcomed today’s news. Mr Stevenson has been pressing the Scottish Executive over the status of the small port of Whitehills in Banffshire which was faced with the loss of its last remaining fishing boat to other ports as a result of the permit restrictions. Mr Stevenson commented:
“I am pleased that things seem to be moving in the right direction. I have been in discussions with the Scottish Executive and they have confirmed to me that Whitehills is being considered for inclusion on the list of designated ports.
“In addition, following my representations, officials have agreed to add Macduff to the list. I hope therefore that the Executive will reach a sensible conclusion which will aid and assist North-east fishermen.”
