Carmichael seeks early visit from fisheries minister on fish quotas

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael is seeking an early visit from new fisheries minister George Eustice MP to Orkney and Shetland to discuss European fish quotas.

His comments come as talks between coastal states began in London yesterday, Wednesday, in an attempt to agree a deal.

Mr Carmichael has already met with the Scottish Pelagic Fisheries Association and will be accompanying Mr Eustice on a visit to the north east today, Thursday.

He said: “I have already impressed on George Eustice the importance of positive engagement with the Scottish fisheries industry and I am delighted to be able to accompany him on his first visit to Scotland in his new role. He has taken on a job that will be of enormous importance to the Northern Isles and I am keen to support him in getting well acquainted with our needs.

Mr Carmichael added: “I am keen that the minister does visit Orkney and Shetland soon in order for him to hear the needs of the local industry in the run up to the Local Fisheries Council meeting in December. I have always taken the view that there is no substitute for government ministers hearing from local people and seeing for themselves the realities of life in the isles. This is particularly true of fisheries ministers.”