The Scottish Government has been urged to hold its first fishing debate in almost three years before Easter amid fears over offshore wind developments after John Swinney was advised by officials not to use the term ‘spatial squeeze’ on a visit to Shetland.
At Holyrood’s portfolio questions, Scottish Conservative MSPs Tim Eagle and Jeremy Balfour called on rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon to set a date for the discussions as a matter of urgency before the parliament’s Easter recess following the revelation.
It comes as Mr Eagle, the party’s fishing spokesman, has written to John Swinney after it emerged officials told the First Minister not to use the term “spatial squeeze” on a visit to Shetland in October last year.
The briefing asked Mr Swinney “not to mirror” the term spatial squeeze when asked about it.
In parliament today, the Highlands and Islands MSP described the advice as “disrespectful” to the industry, calling on an action plan to support fishermen who will suffer financial losses due to the construction and operation of offshore wind farms.
At portfolio questions for rural affairs, Mr Eagle asked: “We need an actual date because it really does matter as there is so much to talk about.
“Last week for example, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation rightly spoke of its fury at the revelation that John Swinney was advised not to use the word ‘spatial squeeze’ on a trip to Shetland. That seems very disrespectful of the industry’s views who are very concerned about this.
“Therefore, can the Scottish Government set out what its plans are to support and compensate fishing businesses who will suffer financial losses due to the construction and operation of offshore wind?”
In her response, Mairi Gougeon said: “It’s not for me to set a date as to when the debate is going to happen, but again, I’ve made that commitment and have reiterated it.
“There are a number of pressures which we know are affecting the fishing industry in particular.
“There is increased pressure on our marine space, whether that is the environmental measures that are being proposed as well as the expansion of offshore renewables.
“We will bring forward a debate and I look forward to discussing these in more detail.”
