Kate Forbes says the Scottish Government has 'turned a corner' in its approach to controversial HPMAs

HIGHLAND MSP Kate Forbes has said the Scottish Government had “turned a corner” in its approach to HPMAs but catergorically denied softening her stance on the proposals.

Ms Forbes, MSP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and a recent contender in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and first minister, said during the leadership debate she wanted to scrap the proposals.

Speaking to the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Monday she said then: “My position has always been that I think they are potentially jeopardising coastal communities.”

But she added: “I have to credit the Scottish Government and particularly Mairi McAllan for her approach recently.

“If the Scottish Government can continue to express their desire to work hand in glove with communities, particularly fishermen, then I think there is a way forward.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.