No votes under the sea

Sir, I was thrilled to hear that Michael Russell MSP is concerned about the proposed Sound of Jura fish farm, and how reassuring it was to read that, as regards any aquaculture or similar, there is a ‘strict regulatory framework’ in place.

Are these the same regulations he assiduously imposed when he was Minister for the Environment? As the problems regarding fish farms poisoning the sea is a long-standing one, I rather doubt it, but who knows?

And are these the same ones being ignored by his government and its agencies?

Mr Russell seems to want to be known as ‘the man who brought the beaver back to Scotland’, but while pursuing this he may have overlooked the activities of fish farm interests.

So just being concerned about the seabed is foolish? How like a politician to belittle a genuine concern just because it is not couched in mealymouthed phrases, half truths and prevarication. If he had seen the presentation of subsea flora and fauna, he would perhaps be less dismissive.

But, then, there are no votes under the sea.

I am quite sure that I may have got a fact or two wrong but, since speaking from a standpoint of ignorance is not the exclusive preserve of politicians, I am quite comfortable with that.

Yet again the same tired old excuse for environmental damage equalling jobs is trotted out. It is high time someone told the truth about these endeavours. I see that some wind farms pay communities funding to buy favour the way wind farm developers do. What will we get from aquaculture – rides on submersible tractors?

I do hope that in his latest incarnation as Brexit minister Mr Russell doesn’t forget the stand he has taken in opposition to the fish farm and all such matters, though these will no doubt pale into insignificance compared to the thrill of opposing the will of the people.

Alexander Hamilton, Tayvallich.