FISHERMEN IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Rascal shares his watery world with fishermen scattered up the Western Isles of Scotland from the River Clyde in the south to KInlockbervie in the north. Many of them fish for sea food that is exported to the Continent, but since Brexit, exports have been badly disrupted. Fishing is a tough occupation, not only physically but financially also. Upsets of this sort affect not only day to day income but the ability of fishermen to service loans for boats and equipment.

To be positive and look forward, it may be, that as we take back more control of our waters there will be the opportunity for our Highland fishermen to take ownership of their fishing grounds and take measures to conserve and improve them. But that is a long way off.

The Brexit problem has been compounded by the lack of income to the area from visitors because of Covid-19. But on the other hand, the pandemic has had the effect of greatly accelerating the development of mail order deliveries.

The British Consumer does not take advantage of the wonderful seafood we have, yet it is such a delicacy. As delivery services improve, could we dream of reliable icy-chill-fresh seafood being delivered to our door from these more remote places. What a birthday present that would be.

Just because some people are few and far away their voices may be faint but we should not forget them, and we must support them.

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