Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch made a significant contribution to the debate on inshore fisheries, held on Tuesday 29th of April at the Scottish Parliament, as his constituency in the west and east has significant assets in that regard.

Dave said “The inshore fishing industry is the glue that binds people in our coastal communities together” pointing out that there is a considerable inshore fleet from Skye and Mallaig in the West to the Black Isle in the east.

He added, “It supports schools, local services and businesses, and does so in the most remote parts of our country.

I am committed to ensuring that the sector continues to be a vibrant and profitable one, particularly in my constituency, where there are many small boats, especially over on the west coast

Dave commended the recent Scottish Government creel support fund initiative and backed the development of marinas on the west coast, particularly in Mallaig where the town is currently developing its marina trade.

Dave highlighted the Scottish Government’s funding which is leading to the roll out of BT broadband fibre optic throughout the west coast, but that he is concerned that the cable from Mallaig and across to Skye has the potential to cause some contention for inshore fisherman and has been approached by Mallaig fisherman on that very point.

As such, Dave has contacted BT to find out whether or not the cable will be buried, in a bid to ensure that there will be no undue disruption to fisherman, as a result of these new cables.

Dave also highlighted his commitment to inshore fishing in an independent Scotland.

He said “We would make alliances with like-minded countries. I have absolutely no doubt but that Scotland would do far better with independence and that our fishing communities around our coasts would benefit greatly from it.

As an independent member state of the EU, Scotland will be negotiating as one of the most respected fishing nations in Europe.

He went on to say “We would make alliances with like-minded countries” and that he has “absolutely no doubt that Scotland would do far better with independence”.

He concluded “We have much to gain from independence because supporting our fishing communities and seafood sector will always be a priority for Scotland’s Governments”.