Exclusive:Two thirds of Scots more likely to vote for parties that back fishing, new polling shows
The poll showed strong support for equating food production with energy security.
Two thirds of Scottish voters say they would be more likely to support political parties that back the fishing industry, according to new polling ahead of the Holyrood election in May.
The research, commissioned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and conducted by Opinion Matters among 1,000 adults, indicates that fishing remains an electoral issue of significance, not only in coastal communities but across Scotland’s cities.
When asked whether they would favour parties committing to protect the industry from what sector leaders describe as being “squeezed” by offshore wind development, 66 per cent of respondents said such a stance would make them more likely to vote for that party. More than a quarter said they would be “much more likely” to do so, while just 5 per cent indicated it would count against a party.
The findings come at a time of rapid expansion in Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions. In January, the Scottish Government increased its target to up to 40 gigawatts of new offshore wind capacity by 2035–2040, as part of its clean energy strategy.
According to Crown Estate Scotland, seven wind farms are currently operating in Scottish waters, with a further 11 consented or under construction. Another 26 projects are at planning or pre-planning stage, reflecting the scale of the pipeline.
The SFF has previously warned that the “rapid industrialisation” of Scotland’s seas risks harming fishing grounds, arguing that spatial pressures from renewable energy developments are increasingly constraining traditional fishing activity. Ministers, the SFF said, have not sufficiently engaged with the sector’s concerns.
Support for pro-fishing policies is strongest in the north-east, long regarded as the heartland of Scotland’s industry, with 70 per cent of respondents in that region saying they would favour parties who committed to backing fishing.
However, backing for the industry was not confined to coastal areas. In Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, between 64 and 71 per cent of respondents said they would be more likely to support parties that prioritise fishing.
Public attitudes towards the sector appear broadly positive. Sixty-three per cent of those surveyed said they held a favourable view of fishing, rising to 72 per cent among men and standing at 53 per cent among women. Just 6 per cent expressed negative views.
The survey also highlights strong concern about food security. An overwhelming 98 per cent of respondents said it was important for Scotland to produce its own food, with 68 per cent describing it as “very important”. More than four in five (82 per cent) agreed that the next Scottish Government should do more to support fishing as a source of food, while only 4 per cent disagreed.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the SFF, said the polling sent a clear signal to policymakers.
“The public backs Scotland’s fishing sector, sees it as vital to food security and expects government to do more to support it,” she said.
She urged political parties to sign the federation’s pledge, calling for a regulatory framework that “enables rather than constrains” the industry.
“We need a government that supports, values and protects what fishing provides — renewable, healthy protein, food security and good jobs at sea and ashore.”
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