Highland Green MSP hosts event on coastal communities and marine policy
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess hosted an event in the Scottish Parliament exploring what people value about Scotland’s coasts and seas and how they want to see them managed.
The event showcased Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Oceans of Value project, and premiered a short film focusing on the seas surrounding the Orkney Islands, featuring several members of the community.
- Council urged to use tourist tax to improve services
- MSP has questions about Scottish Government Local Food Strategy
- Holyrood Notebook: 'Don't take mental health for granted'
Over 100 people attended, including representatives from community groups South Skye Seas, Outer Hebrides-based CAOLAS, Marine and Coastal Conservation of Loch Linnhe, Ullapool Sea Savers, Orkney Seasearch, and the Moray Firth Coastal Partnership.
They were joined by fishers from the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Association and Shetland Fishermen’s Association, young people from Young Sea Changers Scotland, and staff from Marine Conservation Society, WWF, NatureScot and Crown Estate Scotland.
Ms Burgess introduced the event, speaking alongside the deputy director of the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate and the chair of Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Ms Burgess said: “I was delighted to secure this Parliamentary event to share innovative ways that communities can be involved in shaping marine policy and managing the range of values that our oceans provide.
“Our coastal communities are rich tapestries of life, made up of people working in fishing, recreation, hospitality, tourism, shipping, renewables, and nature restoration.
“All of their voices and experiences should be heard and valued, as we work together to improve how we protect and manage our marine resources – for coastal communities, for nature and climate, and for future generations.”
