STEVENSON DELIGHTED BY REOPENING OF SCOTTISH FISH TRADE WITH RUSSIA

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has successfully persuaded the Russian Federation to lift restrictions on Scottish fish being exported to Russia that had been in place since April 2008. The Russian market is a vital one to the fishing industry, with 48, 000 tonnes of pelagic fish worth over £42 million having been exported there in 2007.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The reopening of this critical trading link can only be good news for fish processors in Banff & Buchan that for months had been denied access to this market.

“That these restrictions have only been lifted north of the border is testament to the hard work of the Scottish Government in negotiations with Russia over the issue, and is a much needed boost to Banff & Buchan’s fishing industry.

“The easing of these restrictions shows what can be achieved when Scotland speaks with its own voice in the world. Had this been left to the UK Government to resolve, who knows how long the fishing industry in Banff & Buchan would have had to suffer waiting for trade to resume?”