New Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has underlined his commitment to safeguard key industries including fishing and oil and gas on a visit to the North East.
Mr Findlay met representatives from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) at Fraserburgh Harbour.
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During his meeting with SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald, and SPFA chief executive Ian Gatt CBE, Mr Findlay emphasised the importance of the sector to the North East economy and Scotland’s food security.
He also stressed his determination to work with fisheries organisations to push for tailored policies that help to strengthen the sector.
It follows industry concerns on the SNP’s future plans on spatial squeeze and the prospect of Labour giving EU fishing boats long-term access to UK waters as part of a new post-Brexit deal when the current agreement is up for renegotiation in 2026.
Fraserburgh Harbour Board also gave Mr Findlay a tour of the port to discuss its £278 million masterplan.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “It was great being in Fraserburgh to discuss the importance of fishing to the economic prosperity of Aberdeenshire and beyond.
“The industry has a critical role in our food security and has benefitted from being out of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Going forward, those involved in the industry must be listened to as future policy is shaped.
“I am fully committed to supporting the long-term future of the Scottish fleet and the North East communities that it supports.”
Mr Findlay also met Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) in Aberdeen to outline his desire to protect the sector amid industry fears over the Labour government’s tax hikes, as well as theirs and the SNP’s opposition to new oil and gas licences.
As part of his visit to the oil capital, he also spoke to Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) on issues including rates relief and the future of the city centre and in Aboyne, he met bosses from AJC Construction.
The Scottish Conservative leader added: “It was informative and interesting to meet those with such knowledge, passion and ambition for the industries that power the North East economy, to the benefit of Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“Gripped by ideology, the SNP in Edinburgh and Labour in London both seem hell-bent on destroying Scotland’s world-leading energy sector.
“The Scottish Conservatives will always stand up for the North East, which plays a key role in Scotland’s energy security, tourism and food production.”
