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Island processing factories like Kallin Seafood above are at risk from the proposals say industry leaders

Huge job losses will result from controversial plans for environmental designations around the west coast and Western Isles' fishing grounds, warn industry leaders as they give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs committee on Wednesday.

 

Shellfish processing factories would be badly hit by plans to restrict scallop and prawn fishing around the Western Isles, say the local industry.

 

Millions of pounds worth of catches could be lost if the plans - targeting lucrative fishing grounds - go-ahead

 

Vast job losses in shellfish processing factories and boat repair ship yards would be a consequence of the proposals, maintains the Western Isles Fishermen's Association (WIFA). The viability of two onshore processing plants with over 70 personnel would be threatened, says the body.

 

Hector Stewart of Kallin Shellfish, one of the main private employers in North Uist, said his firm risks losing 20% of their scallop catch.

 

He said: “It would mean job losses. It threatens the viability of the factory.

 

“Scallop processing is 50% of what we do here.”

 

Mr Stewart added: “The fishing sector is massively important for the Western Isles economy.”

 

His 30 personnel are “quite anxious about the situation,” he said.

 

It would also affect suppliers, haulage drivers and service firms in the islands, he said.

 

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “While the proposals would mean restrictions within certain areas, fishermen from the Western Isles will still be able to operate in neighbouring areas.

 

"The assessment we carried out before we put forward our management plans showed a modest impact on the local economy."

 

 

Proposed ban on scallop trawling areas to hit island shellfish factory jobs

22 September 2015