Faroese trawler turns around after protest

FISHERMEN were yesterday celebrating victory in their latest skirmish in the "mackerel war" with the Faroe Islands.

A Faroese trawler, heading to Peterhead, Buchan, to discharge 600 tonnes of mackerel, was forced to return to the Faroe Islands after fishermen threatened to blockade the landing.

Earlier this week a mass meeting of trawlermen, held in Fraserburgh, had signalled the Scottish fleet's intention to continue to take direct action to prevent any catches of mackerel and herring from the Faroes reaching the Scottish market.

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association, explained that local fishermen had taken steps on Tuesday to plan another blockade of Peterhead after learning that a Faroese vessel was heading for the North east with a catch of 600 tonnes of mackerel.

Mr Gatt said: "A bid had been accepted by a Scottish processor and we were watching the boat coming south on our electronic systems. We made contact with the boat, and also had dialogue with the processor, and managed to convince the Faroese skipper not to come to Scotland.

"We told him we would have a large presence in Peterhead - ships and men. We made it clear a welcoming party would be waiting and that seemed to convince him to turn away."