Barra environmental row to be debated in parliament 31/1/12
McGrigor secures Parliamentary debate on Western Isles Special Area of Conservation designations.
Jamie McGrigor, Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP, has secured a debate in the Scottish Parliament about the proposed designation of two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in East Mingulay and the Sound of Barra.
The proposed designations by Scottish Government Ministers, advised by Scottish Natural Heritage, may mean potential restrictions on commercial activity in these areas, including fishing.
The debate take place on Wednesday next week.
Mr McGrigor said:“ I hope that we can have a constructive debate and that some of the specific concerns of local residents and fishermen can be addressed.
“Concern has focused on how SNH has handled the consultation processes and its use of scientific data to justify the proposed designations.
“Given the potential major impact on the ability of my constituents in the Western Isles to earn their living, it is vital that consultations are, and are seen to be, genuine, transparent and robust and that the scientific data being referred to is completely accurate.”