Fishing industry calls for ‘robust’ offshore windfarm compensation in election manifesto
SHETLAND’S fishing sector has called for a pause on new offshore wind approvals and “robust compensation” for any loss of grounds in its Scottish election manifesto.
The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) has today (Thursday) published its manifesto for the 2026 Holyrood elections, calling on candidates to champion the industry.
It sets out clear priorities for the next Scottish parliament, including a Shetland-specific fisheries strategy and “fair allocation of marine funding” to reflect Shetland’s contribution to the seafood economy.
The SFA has also called for a stop on new offshore wind approvals until “impacts on fishing grounds are fully resolved”, and compensation can be agreed for loss of earnings.
Stronger backing for Shetland’s position in quota negotiations and international agreements, a “balanced approach” to marine protected areas and increased investment in Shetland-based marine science are also among the asks.
The SFA has urged Shetland’s next MSP to put the isles “at the heart of future fisheries policy”.
It said that Shetland was “Scotland’s fishing powerhouse”, and accounted for around a third of all fish landed in the country by value.
“Despite this outsized contribution, the SFA warns that policy decisions made in Edinburgh and London too often overlook Shetland’s scale, diversity and strategic importance,” it said.
SFA executive officer Sheila Keith said that if fisheries policy works for Shetland first and foremost, “it will work for Scotland”.
“Here, the stakes are highest, the pressures most acute and the opportunities most significant,” she said.
“The industry in Shetland deserves much stronger support across government.”
The manifesto highlights that Shetland’s fishing industry faces distinct pressures, including rising costs, growing competition for sea space and offshore wind developments.
The SFA said this had “left many local fishermen feeling exposed and disadvantaged”.
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“These pressures are felt particularly acutely because Shetland’s fleet is predominantly made up of small, family-owned businesses,” it said.
“Policy changes therefore have immediate and profound impacts on livelihoods, traditions and the social fabric of island communities.
“With the right support, the sector can continue to drive Scotland’s marine economy while delivering sustainable food and significant export value for Scotland and the UK.”
The association pointed to Shetland’s landing totals for 2024, saying isles vessels landed more than £200 million worth of fish and shellfish, including mackerel, herring, cod, haddock, monkfish, crab and scallops.
The SFA urged all of the Holyrood candidates to “commit to standing up for the industry”.
“When Shetland thrives, Scotland’s seafood sector thrives. We are calling on every candidate to recognise that and to stand up for Shetland fishing.”
Candidates publicly confirmed so far are in alphabetical order: Alex Armitage (Greens), John Erksine (Labour), Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP), Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrats), Brian Nugent (Alliance to Liberate Scotland).
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