Skipper accused of poaching after being charged with dredging for scallops in protected waters off Caithness

A NORTH-EAST skipper has been charged with poaching off the Caithness coast.

Gary Bruce (41) made no plea when his case was called at Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday and it was continued until August 9.

The charge alleges that he dredged for scallops in the Noss Head marine-protected conservation area, on October 10, 2021.

Bruce, of William Street, Cairnbulg, was said to have been the master of the Castlebay fishing boat. Silver Fern, at the time.