Also in the news / Swan anniversary, marine management title and more …
A SENIOR fishing official has slammed reports that the UK could be about to make concessions on fishing quotas in exchange for an arms deal.
The Times newspaper reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was close to securing a major trade deal with the EU, which would allow British arms companies to sell billions of pounds of weapons to European allies.
However that would likely come at the cost of quotas over haddock, herring and cod – according to the report – with France insisting the defence pact be linked to negotiations over fishing.
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Elspeth Macdonald reacted furiously to the reports this week, saying the UK had sacrificed food security for “bombs and bullets”.
“If true, it is ludicrous that the UK Government has caved in to French demands for a multi-year fisheries deal with fixed quotas,” she said.
“We patiently set out our position directly to ministers, but it would appear they have chosen to ignore our views and Sir Keir Starmer looks set to become the third Prime Minister to sell out the fishing industry after Edward Heath in 1973 and Boris Johnson in 2020.
“We know that the public is very supportive of our industry here in Scotland, which is responsible for by far the largest share of catches in both volume and value in the UK, and this craven capitulation will be deeply unpopular right across the country but particularly in our coastal and island communities which depend on the sea for their jobs and future prospects.
“Rather than protecting the interests of our fisheries, as a government spokesman is quoted as saying, ministers are actively harming them.”
SCOTTISH Water has said it experienced no disruptions beyond “the normal routine issues” on the first of a two-day strike over pay.
Unison members started the 48-hour walk out from midnight on Tuesday after a 2.6 per cent pay offer (or £1,050, whichever is higher) by Scottish Water was rejected.
Regional organiser Emma Phillips said: “Strike action is always a last resort. Staff have suffered a decade of pay deals that haven’t kept up with inflation. They are not willing to be underpaid any longer.”
Scottish Water chief operating officer Peter Farmer said the company had made an improved offer prioritising the highest percentage increases to those on the lowest salary grades.
“This is a good proposal, and we are disappointed that union officials have not shared it with their members and given them the opportunity to vote on the offer in a ballot,” he said.
“We urge the unions to get back round the negotiating table as soon as possible.”
UHI SHETLAND’S marine spatial planning manager has been awarded a top title from the UHI Academic Council.
Dr Rachel Shucksmith has been named associate professor of marine management and governance.
She leads on applied research and consultancy projects in marine spatial planning at UHI Shetland, and has led the development of one of Europe’s most advanced regional marine plans with Shetland Islands Council.
Shucksmith said she was “delighted to have been awarded the title”, and added: “Local knowledge, data and communities are key to the long-term sustainable management of our marine environment.”
UHI Shetland principal Professor Jane Lewis said: “Rachel has made an outstanding contribution to the field of marine governance and management.
“Her impact includes the pioneering development of the Shetland Islands regional marine plan and the Shetland islands biosecurity plan.
“We are lucky to have such a talent in the isles and I am delighted her work has been recognised in this way.”
MORE DETAILS have been revealed about plans to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic sail training vessel Swan.
Built by Hay and Co as the largest herring boat of her time, Swan has weathered wars, fished the herring boom and helped train a generation of seafarers since her restoration in 1996.
The Swan Trust is inviting the community to join a weekend of celebrations in early May to honour her incredible legacy.
On Saturday 3 May a special exhibition will open at Shetland Museum and Archives looking back on her 125 year history, with Swan trustees on hand from 10am to 12pm to share stories.
A day later a free public open day is being held at her birthplace, Hays Dock, from 10am to 4pm.
Trustees, crew, and volunteers will welcome people to tour the boat, share memories, and learn about her storied past.
And between 1 and 5 May there are also opportunities for full and half-day trips on Swan.
For more details visit www.swantrust.com or contact the Swan Trust.
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