Concern over marine designations

Concern over marine designations 10/9/14

Sir,

We have known since March 2010 that the Scottish Government was searching for new EU Special Protection Areas in our waters. The result of that search is a proposal for a huge SPA to the west of the islands, running from Taransay to Barrahead.

Surely this community should be discussing the possible impact of this site?

We need to know what will happen to the potential for marine renewables in our local area. The waters west of Barra and Uist were identified for development by the Scottish Government in 2008 as an alternative to the now protected Sound of Barra location. Now the alternative site itself is in danger of being designated.

I think we should also be asking how the “locally-led” Sound of Barra SAC management can possibly work now, since the new SPA proposals will cover most of the SAC waters within the Sound.

I would be happy to hear from anyone who shares these concerns.

Angus MacLeod,

Chairman

SHAMED

2 Eoligarry

Barra

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