Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has called on the Scottish Government to drop their controversial plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas.
Questioning Minister Lorna Slater at today’s rural questions in Holyrood, the Scottish Conservative MSP said the SNP/Green government should drop their plans and go back to the drawing board.
Following the session, Mr Halcro Johnston said: “With communities up in arms and an SNP backbench rebellion looming, Scottish ministers now seem to be desperate to be at least seen to be listening to local opinion on their ill-considered plans for HPMAs.
“But the Scottish Government’s plans have already caused unnecessary concern in coastal communities across Scotland, and particularly in my Highlands and Islands region.
“Why do the SNP always seem to get it so wrong when dealing with rural Scotland and our island communities?
“The Scottish Government must drop these plans and, going back to the drawing board, engage fully to find agreement with local communities and stakeholders on a way forward”.
