Marine conservation plan axed after row

But fishing communities fear it will resurface

- CHRIS MCCALL

THE Scottish Government has dumped controversial plans to ban fishing in 10 per cent of Scotland's waters following uproar from rural communities.

Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan announced the pledge to introduce highly protected marine areas (HPMAs) by 2026 will no longer go ahead.

The policy was fiercely opposed by the fishing industry as well as some SNP MSPs.

Former finance secretary Kate Forbes spoke out against HPMAS during the campaign to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP and first minister.

McAllan stressed the need to prevent damage to marine ecosystems and promised an alternative plan.