Pledge to fishermen ahead of talks

Ministers will champion the interests of Scotland’s fishing industry at EU talks next week, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has pledged.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet to set 2018 catch limits for the main commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic and North Sea.

MSPS agreed the industry is in good shape, with increased landings and good prices, while Scotland secured a number of its negotiation objectives at recent fisheries talks between the EU and Norway.

However, concerns remain over the potential impact of soup called choke stocks and a lack of clarity surrounding the sector’s post-brexit future. Mr Ewing said: “My focus at the council will be to champion the interests of the industry and ensure that Scotland’s interests are fully represented by the UK in discussions.”