AN online event intended to help independence supporters understand the problems facing the fishing industry is to be held this week.
It has been set up because of concern that support in solid Yes coastal areas could be lost if campaigners are not fully aware of the issues.
The Zoom session on Thursday night is the latest in a series looking at the problems facing the sector and will feature Elaine Whyte from the Clyde Fishermen’s Association.
It will be hosted by Karen Adam from the Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM), who is also an SNP Holyrood candidate for the Banff and Buchan Coast.
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AIM said it had set up the series after becoming frustrated at “the lack of understanding” of issues related to the fishing industry within the Yes movement.
“Without a better understanding of fishing communities we face losing areas that were solid Yes areas in 2014,” said co-organiser Alan Petrie.
“The fishing communities in the north east all returned majority Yes votes in 2014.
“From Peterhead to Buckie, the fishing communities returned majority Yes votes. But what we are faced with all too often is ‘I told you so’ and ‘serves them right’ type comments, often from folk who know nothing about fishing apart from how much a fish supper costs at the local chippie.
“So, I say to all in the movement, watch the event and learn.”
Adam said it was clear the Tories had sold out the fishing industry in the Brexit negotiations and didn’t care.
“The Tories deal is actually worse than the Common Fisheries Policy and that is a fact that cannot be ignored,” she said.
“Businesses are against the wall and people are struggling. We need to reassess where we are at and come up with solutions to the issues that are being faced right now as a matter of urgency.
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“Moving forward means taking a hard look at what needs to be done but also what the future holds. We need to seek to find solutions and that is what this event is all about.
“Whatever we do now will be the determining factor which shapes the industry for many years to come.”
The session kicks off at 7pm and can be accessed via Zoom or on Facebook Live.
The link will also be posted on AIM’s social media platforms in the lead up to the event.
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