Marine protection project is a substantial threat to fishing economy

THE current proposals to create marine protected areas, along with fishing regulating orders, are of considerable concern to the Kintyre business community. The closure of the main fishing areas available to the fishing boats of Tarbert, Carradale, and Campbeltown, would effectively end the fishing industry in Kintyre. Local processing firms will be forced to close, with a further loss of jobs. Road hauliers in the area will also be affected. Tarbert has been recognised as a fishing port for many centuries, with several families following a tradition in fishing for generations.

Having run a retail business in Tarbert for almost 60 years, I am aware of the importance of fishing to the local economy. The annual income generated by the catch of scallops and prawns landed in Kintyre runs to millions of pounds.

The suggestion that “sea-angling tourists” will flock to the area if commercial fishing is restricted can only be fanciful. Previous attempts to operate such businesses have failed. The actions of the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust (Sift) and the Community of Arran Seabed Trust (Coast) appear to be setting the communities of Arran and Kintyre against each other, when in fact, by working together to promote tourism, both could benefit. In 2007, a press release issued by the SNP stated that Kintyre and related areas had been “badly let down in the past”. A vehicle ferry link between Antrim and Kintyre was seen as a “vital component of future success”. Despite the assurance that, (if elected) an SNP government would reintroduce such a service, (adding that this was “a pledge from a party that keeps its promises”) it has failed to materialise.

Experience of the short-lived summer car ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle, (which ran from 1997-99) suggests that the related islands of Arran and Islay also benefited from the tourists arriving in Kintyre via this route. Government officials blamed financial cutbacks for their failure to keep this promise. Nevertheless, major projects on the east coast, roads, rail, trams and new Forth Bridge, have progressed.

The economy of Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and Islay is already under threat from existing transport problems on the A83 (the Rest and be Thankful). An agreement must be reached that will protect the Kintyre fishing industry, and see the promise of a Kintyre /Antrim vehicle ferry service finally implemented. Ian Y Macintyre, Caladh, Harbour Street, Tarbert.