Scottish fishing leaders are holding a series of meetings with key government representatives to promote the opportunities that Brexit can deliver for Scotland’s costal communities.
The Scottish fishing industry believes that Brexit can provide the country with an opportunity to reinvigorate coastal and island communities.
As well as enable the UK to regain control of its 300 mile Exclusive Economic Zone, which will then lead to more effective management and fairer shares of catching opportunity.
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, said: “Brexit really is a sea of opportunity for our coastal and island communities. Scotland sits strategically on the northern continental shelf right in the middle of some of the richest fishing grounds in the world.”
He added: “Having control of these fishing grounds would generate significant sustainable economic growth to these communities with spin-off benefits for local business and schools.”
Mr Armstrong gave evidence to the House Commons Scottish Affairs Committee in Glasgow to outline Brexit’s opportunities.
Scottish leaders will now meet on 26 October at Westminster to discuss further with Andrea Leadsom MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and George Eustice MP, the UK fisheries minister.
As well as holding further talks in Edinburgh with the Scottish Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing MSP, and Mike Russell MSP, the Scottish Government Minister with responsibility for Brexit.
“But to achieve this, we need our politicians to be fully onside so that fishing is right at the heart of the Brexit process,” continued Mr Armstrong.
He concluded: “We will be telling UK and Scottish Government ministers that it would be unforgivable if fishing was traded away during the negotiations. It is vital that both governments look at the positives and work as a team to deliver the best possible deal for our coastal communities.”
