Highland MSP submits motion for fisherman's protest song on HPMA to be debated in Scottish Parliament

A recent chart-topping protest song is set to be debated in the Scottish Parliament.

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has submitted a Scottish Parliament motion for debate on the “The Clearances Again", which is performed by fisherman Donald Francis (DF) MacNeil and the popular Scottish band, Skipinnish.

The protest song aims to raise awareness of Scottish Government plans to ban inshore fishing and all marine activities through the proposed Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).

The song has secured a top ten spot on the ITunes download charts – a little over 24 hours after it was released.

Mrs Grant has submitted the motion, congratulating Donald and Skipinnish for their success and urges the Scottish Government to “heed” the real concerns expressed by communities across the Highlands and Islands and to re-think this policy.

She said: “It is fantastic to see this song reach the high levels of artists like Pink, Sam Ryder and Kelly Clarkson, reflecting the deep worry in our coastal communities regarding these proposals.

“I am in no doubt that the Greens will try to force these proposals through so it is wonderful to see the message of protest being played loud and clear,

“The song encapsulates the fury that is felt by rural communities. It is imperative that this SNP-Green Government listen and re-think the policy and I look forward to debating it in the Chamber.”

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