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Marine Scotland urged to mediate in Barra controversy 27/9/11
MSP Alasdair Allan has asked Marine Scotland to mediate in the blistering row over imposing a blanket of environmental restrictions off the Barra coast.
The Barra community distrust Scottish Natural Heritage and fear its alleged underhand tactics in introducing conservation rules to the south of Barra will be repeated in the current consultation for the Sound of Barra.
Fishermen say their livelihoods will be hit while its warned that future seabed developments like renewable energy, subsea cables, or fish farming may be hampered.
Alasdair Allan commented: “The debate about the proposed marine Special Area of Conservation designation in the Sound of Barra goes on.
“It is clear that, for a variety of ongoing reasons, the relationship between Scottish Natural Heritage and the community on Barra has regrettably broken down.
“I believe it is now time for Marine Scotland to make a formal approach to the community and the fishing industry to discuss possible ways ahead.”
Mr Allan added: “I have written to the Director of Marine Scotland, Linda Rosborough, asking her to agree to do this, to see if we can find a way through an issue that has caused much concern locally.
“I have asked that Marine Scotland discuss the likely economic impact of the mSAC, and to make clear their attitude towards the management and boundaries which are envisaged for the SAC with those most likely to be affected.
“I believe that we have to try a new approach to resolving this issue and would encourage Marine Scotland to speak to the community and myself about this.”