Fishing licences

In September I wrote about a fisherman finding he was not able to sell his licence to an English buyer due to new restrictions that were sneaked out.

I know - through a client - that this matter was raised with the MP and MSP, but that the fisherman concerned have not received an answer some three months later.

Indeed, one person who sought clarification over what were the 'special circumstances' to permit a sale, was told by officials in the Executive to lie about the date that the deal was done, so that it was before the restrictions came into force!

Now the debate reaches Parliament today, and our MP has spoken:

Western Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil said: “Labour MPs may believe in the discredited free market for quota trading. The SNP, however, is more worried about people and communities and is looking for ways to ensure a future, not just for this generation but future generations of Scottish fishermen.”

I know of a fisherman who wants to sell his boat and quota to a buyer in England and buy a bigger boat and more quota from another seller outside Scotland, but finds that the opportunity to grow his business is being prevented by a regulation imposed by those who have never worked for a living.

This fisherman's future is not being protected; in fact it is being undermined by the restrictions. But let's not let the facts get in the way of a party political barney.