Barraich stage protest at Scottish Parliament 9/2/12
Islanders from Barra held a demonstration at the Scottish Parliament in protest of plans to impose a blanket of environmental rules on the Sound of Barra.
Inside the chamber, politicians debated the issue after Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor secured a debate.
Mr Mcgrigor said the proposed designations threatened fishing and other economic development. He was also scathing about way Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had handled the consultation process.
He said: “These proposals will cost the area hundreds of thousands of pounds and could cripple the local economy. Our fishermen need all the help they can get in these tough economic times but instead these plans would be a kick in the teeth.
“While it is extremely important that the rich variety of wildlife we have in Scotland is maintained, we must not rush into any decisions. “
In the debate he said there was a suggestion of apparent “collusion between Marine Scotland and SNH over reclassifying the designation so that the Barra sandbanks were made to fit the criteria.”
He said there is a total lack of evidence that fishing would negatively affect the area.
Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said: “There is no secret that the relationship between this community and SNH has broken down.
He added:“ In their dealings with SNH, the community feels that their economic concerns are being ignored.
He said islanders feel strong grievances at a “whole process that legally only considers scientific questions, not economic ones. It is worth stressing in that context that the very existence of a pristine environment is down to the fact that generations of islanders have treated their environment responsibly.“
After the debate SNH said: “As advisor on the natural environment to the Scottish Government, we are required to identify features of international importance in marine sites under the EC Habitats Directive. This requires the Government to identify a network of sites across Europe to recognise and protect vulnerable habitats and species. The final decision on site designation lies with the Scottish Government.
Ministers approved the scientific case for the proposed Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in the Sound of Barra in August 2011 and instructed SNH to carry out a public consultation. The consultation began on 9 September 2011 and the closing date was extended to 16 January at the request of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
In line with the advised procedures, we have carried out scientific surveys and consulted widely about the proposed designations. Our report on the Barra consultation will include the range of views submitted to us, both supporting and opposing the designation. .
It is recognised that there are concerns about the process and what the designation would mean for people in the area, and we will continue the dialogue with all concerned in this respect.
There are 40 marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Scotland. They range
in size from small saline lagoons (Loch Roag lagoons SAC) to the 150,000-