It's refreshing to see the power of community in action on the Isle of Arran.
Residents who fought tooth and nail to save their marine environment saw a no-take zone (NTZ) for fishing established in 2008 at Lamlash Bay. Finding out what has gone right there is key as Scotland continues to debate controversial plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).
HPMAs – areas where fishing is banned – will be designated in 10 per cent of Scottish coastal waters if ministers get their way. But that’s caused a major backlash, with the fishing industry and communities voicing concerns it could destroy their livelihoods and traditions.
In Lamlash Bay, however, local campaigners say the NTZ has allowed the marine ecosystem to revive and thrive. That means in nearby waters, fishermen and creelers are reaping the benefits of more abundant and bigger species – such as lobsters and scallops.
But the crucial factor in the Lamlash Bay success story is that it was driven by the community. Many there don’t think it could have happened any other way.
And, rightly or wrongly, some elsewhere in Scotland feel like HPMAs are being imposed on them, rather than getting a say.
The Scottish Government insists otherwise but the fractious nature of the debate hasn’t helped, turning the issue into a political hot potato. What is clear, however HPMAs end up being rolled out, is our fishermen must not be left behind.
We all know we face a nature emergency just as we face a climate emergency. But as with our oil and gas sector, the transition must be just.
Fishermen and the villages and towns which depend on them can’t be allowed to go into economic meltdown. Lamlash Bay teaches us how to do this the right way – and that starts with community.
Rishi’s too rich
Rishi Sunak and his family have an estimated worth of more than £500million.
At a time when so many people are struggling to make ends meet, how can someone so wealthy know what life is like for struggling families?
The cost-of-living crisis created by his government is getting worse but it will never affect him. Sunak is the wrong prime minister for a time when so many people are facing real hardship.
The country needs more than an entitled Tory who will always act in the best interests of those who will never have to worry about how to pay the bills.
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