Fishing jobs compensation plea

DEFENCE chiefs are under pressure to compensate fishermen left out of pocket because of the expansion of a torpedo testing site off the west coast of Scotland.

The MoD operates a submarine weapons and sonar systems testing site between the island of Raasay and the Applecross peninsula.

Fishing vessels are now banned from operating in a sea area around the centre which is 10 times the size of the city of London, in addition to the 25 square kilometres the MoD has already designated off-limits.

An MoD evaluation said the expansion would cost the local prawn fishing industry up to £600,000 a year as a result.

The MoD, which points out dozens of jobs have been secured with the site’s expansion, is considering paying compensation but says there “can be no guarantees at this stage”.

Caithness, Sutherland & Ross SNP MSP Gail Ross said: “The MoD has written off a potentially devastating £600,000 in lost earnings to the local industry as insignificant – but this is a threat to people’s livelihoods.

“It’s one thing to force out an existing industry, but doing so while refusing to even commit in principle to providing compensation is a disgrace.

“The MoD need to get their act together and stop treating the west Highlands like their own personal playground.”