McGrigor tables Parliamentary motion on Western Isles Special Area of Conservation designations.

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, this week tabled a Parliamentary motion in the Scottish Parliament highlighting the widespread concerns of his constituents in the Western Isles about the proposed designation of two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in East Mingulay and the Sound of Barra. The proposed designations by Scottish Natural Heritage will mean severe restrictions on all commercial activity in these areas, including fishing.

Speaking today at Holyrood, Jamie, who is also the Scottish Conservative Environment Spokesman and who previously helped constituents defeat an earlier attempt to impose SACs in the Western Isles, holding a Member’s Debate on the issue in 2002, said:

“These proposed designations are causing real concern and anger to many of my constituents and I am hopeful that I will be able to secure time in Parliament in the New Year to ensure my motion can be debated in Member’s Business time.

“ I have been informed of numerous concerns about how SNH has handled the consultation processes and its use of scientific data to justify the proposed designations. Given the potential major impact on the ability of my constituents in the Western Isles to earn their living, it is vital that consultations are, and are seen to be, genuine, transparent and robust and that the scientific data being referred to is completely accurate.

“ A number of my MSP colleagues have already given me their support for my motion and I hope that many others, of all parties, do so as well so that we can see the Scottish Government set out its position on this important subject which is an issue which has far reaching implications for many other areas, not just in the Western Isles.”

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