Fishing leaders demand 'new vision'

The meeting in Aberdeen - with First Minister Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead - was called by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) to outline the industry's priorities in the run up to the elections in May.

Bertie Armstrong, the federation's chief executive, said: "The first requirement at the start of a new parliament is a refreshed vision for Scottish fishing so as to deliver clear choices in policy-making.

"This vision must identify what size and shape of fleet would serve Scotland best.

"While careful attention to the way our fisheries are managed is vitally important, the next government's priority must be on maximising the prospects for the fleet."

Mr Lochhead said: "The First Minister and myself reiterated the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting a sustainable future for our fishing fleet.

"To achieve this, it's important that we work closely with fishing leaders, something we have done for the past four years."