'Significant' Faroes fisheries deal hailed
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THE successful conclusion of a a new fisheries deal between the UK and the Faroe Islands has been welcomed by a north MSP.
It follows on from a successful deal with Norway.
The agreement has been hailed as "significant" by Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston.
He said: “The waters controlled by Norway and the Faroes are important for the Scottish fishing fleet, so the successful conclusion of these talks is immensely significant for our industry.
"It really does show the opportunities for Scottish fishermen now that the UK is negotiating for ourselves again as an independent coastal state, rather than having EU bureaucrats doing it for us.
“The only thing standing in the way of the revival of the industry, and the hundreds of jobs that will go with it, is the determination of the SNP to take us back into the EU and the hated Common Fisheries Policy.”
Annually fish from Faroese waters – including cod, haddock and pollock – is worth in the order of £2.3 million to the Scottish fleet.
Scotland Office minister David Duguid added: “We will shortly begin our annual negotiations with the EU on fishing opportunities for next year and continue to push for a sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s vital fishing industry.
“Leaving the restrictions of the Common Fisheries Policy means we can decide who can access our waters
“We will shortly begin our annual negotiations with the EU on fishing opportunities for next year and continue to push for a sustainable and profitable future for Scotland’s vital fishing industry.”
