BIG SCOTS FISHING BOATS 'BYPASSING LOCAL ECONOMY'

Outrage after government stats show foreign ports get a third of our catches

- DAN VEVERS

BIG Scots fishing boats have been accused of "bypassing the local economy" after it emerged they land more than a third of catches in foreign ports.

Statistics from the Scottish Government for 2022 revealed landings abroad made up 38 per cent of catches by tonnage and 27 per cent by value.

Marine conservation charity Open Seas pointed the finger at large commercial pelagic vessels - fishing for mackerel, herring and whiting disproportionately landing at overseas harbours.

It said this meant local fishing ports in Scotland weren't seeing the benefits.

Scottish and UK governments have sought to address this issue by strengthening so-called "economic link" requirements forcing boats to land more of their catches domestically.

However, this has been repeatedly challenged by large fishing organisations, which warn it would hammer their revenues.