As the all-important Scottish referendum draws to a close, with the majority voting ‘No’ to independence from the UK, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) says now’s the time to unite.

The UK fishing sector needs to unite to face challenges ahead, says SFF. Photo: Bob Jones

The UK fishing sector needs to unite to face challenges ahead, says SFF. Photo: Bob Jones

“Whilst the decision has been made for the constitutional status quo, as far as fishing is concerned there will most definitely need to be change in how we work together as an EU member state,” said Bertie Armstrong, chief executive.

For the past 18 months, the Scottish Government has been working on international negotiations, as well as towards a referendum for the country’s separation from the United Kingdom – a mandate “absolutely right and necessary”.

“But now that the referendum is over, the Scottish and UK governments need to work together as closely as possible,” Mr Armstrong added.

“There are many challenges facing fishing, most notably the forthcoming discards ban, which has the potential to devastate our fishing fleets. We have had enough arm-wrestling during the independence debate, now is the time to work as a united team to get the best deal possible for fishing,” he concluded.

SFF says it will now contact both Fisheries Ministers in the coming days to set this in motion and is committed to playing its part in the process.

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