Another fishing industry body seeks Barra inquiry 24/1/13
The Fishermen’s Association Ltd (FAL) has added its weight to the growing and long standing opposition to the proposed Special Area of Conservation in the Sound of Barra.
The Fishermen’s Association which about 240 members, including trade groups, across Britain supports the call for a full inquiry in to the proposal rather than a limited review.
Its chairman, Sandy Patience, stated: “It is significant that there is such wide cross sector opposition ranging from the Scottish Crofting Federation, fisheries interests and generally within the wider Western Isles communities.
“This demonstrates that there is a democratic deficit in the way that environmental legislation is applied in Scotland to the detriment of local communities who feel marginalised leading to tensions between them and central Government.”
Mr Patience added: “This is the time and an ideal opportunity for the Scottish Government to demonstrate its maturity, to pause for considered deliberation in the process and regain the trust and confidence of fragile communities.”