Jamie Halcro Johnston: The SNP’s betrayal of coastal communities over HPMAs will never be forgiven
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SNP-Green coalition proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have been widely condemned by those living in our coastal communities, as well as by key industry stakeholders.
They have been very clear that the plans being pushed by the Scottish Government in Edinburgh pose a significant threat to local jobs and livelihoods, particularly within our fisheries sector.
Local communities across the Highlands and Islands have been resolute in their opposition to these plans. And my Scottish Conservative colleagues and I stand with them in that opposition.
We held a debate in Parliament which called on ministers to reconsider their proposals and drop HPMAs. And we called on SNP MSPs from across the Highlands and Islands – including Maree Todd and Emma Roddick - to do the same.
Some did. But despite concerns about HPMAs raised by constituents and local stakeholders from right across the region, and despite Highland Council warning of “unacceptable socio-economic impacts”, the SNP’s payroll vote chose to abandon coastal communities and push ahead with these proposals.
They prioritised their dodgy deal with the Scottish Greens over the interests of their own constituents, highlighting the damaging chokehold the militant Greens have over the Scottish Government and rural policy.
The SNP must drop these proposals – which will do irreversible damage to our coastal communities, risking jobs and livelihoods – and start listening to the voices of local people. If they don’t, and they continue to push ahead with their blanket introduction of HPMAs, the SNP’s betrayal of coastal communities will never be forgiven.
As I joined millions of people across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the World watching the coronation of His Majesty Charles III, I was reminded of the enduring values of duty, service, and unity that have guided our country for centuries.
And that historic event also offered another opportunity to remember the remarkable life and service of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch whose reign was marked by her unwavering dedication to our country.
As we embark on a new chapter of our nation's long history, l send my best wishes to Their Majesties The King and Queen, and I look forward to welcoming them to the Highlands soon.
And finally, a shoutout to Kyle RNLI whose swift actions made sure local pooch Skye, who managed to get stranded on a rock in Erbusaig Bay, was rescued and got home unharmed.
Incidents like these serve as just another reminder of the importance of the RNLI, and the vital work they do protecting our coasts and communities. My thanks to the Spirit of Fred, Olsen crew, and to all our RNLI crews and support staff, for their outstanding commitment to keeping us safe.
