Letters / Winnie would have signed pledge before the paper hit the desk
The refusal by the SNP general election candidate to support local fishermen by signing the Scottish Fishermen’s federation pledge tells us a little about her views on fishing and quite a lot about what sort of MP she would be if she were to be elected (‘Brett won’t sign Brexit fishing pledge’, SN 19/5/17).
Representing a fishing community is never easy. There are few politicians or civil servants who really understand the industry. That is how it was possible for Conservative minsters in the 1970s to describe the industry as “expendable”. It is also why the interests of the industry have been traded off against other sectors of our economy in negotiations over the years. So the fishing case must be made time and time again.
That is why it is so crucial that anyone representing these islands listens to and to works with the fishing industry and its representatives. Alistair Carmichael has worked closely with the Shetland Fishermen’s Association and others to put the case for local fishermen as our local MP.
The SNP candidate could do worse than seek the advice of Winnie Ewing. I may have had my differences with Winnie over the years but I never once doubted her commitment to the fishing industry. I have no doubt that if Winnie had been asked to sign that pledge it would have been signed before the paper hit the desk.
Tavish Scott (Shetland MSP)
Gardie, Bressay
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
