New era for Scotland’s seas

Alasdair Allan MSP

Western Isles  MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today welcomed the passing of the Scottish Marine Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

Alasdair Allan told Hebrides news Today:

“The Scottish Government has delivered a Marine Bill which will benefit Scotland’s seas, all who rely on them, and the environment.

“This follows the Scottish Government successfully reaching agreement with the UK Government to devolve to Scotland the responsibilities for all planning and marine conservation issues in Scottish seas, up to a distance of 200 nautical miles, compared to the current 12.

“There are a number of good economic reasons for a new Act. But perhaps the most immediate and practical argument for a Bill is that it will overhaul and consolidate a complete mess of around 80 Acts which regulate Scotland’s seas at the moment. By consolidating all these areas of legislation into the one bill we will hopefully bring real cohesion to an area of regulation vital for the economy and environment of Scotland, and the western isles in particular.”

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