Final chance for skipper accused of poaching after warrant for arrest granted at Wick court

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a north-east skipper who failed to appear at Wick Sheriff Court to answer a charge of poaching.

It is the second time that Gary Bruce's case has been delayed. It was previously called on July 12 when it was continued without plea until Wednesday when he failed to appear.

Sheriff David Sutherland granted a warrant for the skipper's arrest.

Fiscal David Barclay said that he would give Bruce (41), of William Street, Cairnbulg, a final opportunity to attend court before implementing the warrant.

Bruce is alleged to have dredged for scallops in the Noss Head marine-protected conservation area, on October 10, 2021 when he was master of the Castlebay fishing boat Silver Fern.