Allan to restate opposition to Barra Sac in parliamentry deabate

Western Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, will be taking part in the Members Debate in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday about the Marine SAC designations in Barra.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Wednesday’s Member’s Debate in Parliament provides the opportunity to make clear the extent of the opposition in Barra to the SAC currently being consulted on and I intend to make that opposition very clear.

“The whole process around these designations, which exist under the European Habitats Directive, has clearly caused grievance in Barra. The process legally excludes the community from having anything other than scientific arguments considered – meaning the whole argument about the fragility of the island economy is sidelined.

“I believe more recognition needs to be given to the fact that the Western Isles has the environment it does because generations of islanders have used it responsibly.

“For over three years I have been arguing as local MSP that the designation serves no useful purpose but has caused real anxiety locally. It is unclear what, in any practical sense, the mSAC is meant to achieve, in a community that clearly does not want or require it, and which has wider legitimate concerns about its own economic future.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles