Letter: Caught in EU net

OFFSHORE fishing is among the most dangerous occupations in the UK but, ironically, it is the faceless bureaucrats in Brussels – from the comfort of their armchairs – that present the biggest danger to Scottish fishermen’s survival.

The industry, which is a shadow of its former self, has for many years been forced to discard healthy fish back to the sea dead under complicated rules and regulations.

However, with the latest welcome relaxation on the size of catches, there is also to be a further restriction in the days at sea rules. Facing four days fishing per fortnight is a commercial impossibility and these unworkable rules will force many more boats out of business.

I know of no other industry that has been systematically hammered and constrained in such a manner left without any effective political voice and doomed by an organisation that is meant to be supporting and encouraging trade and free markets in Europe.

Dennis Grattan

Mugiemoss Road

Bucksburn, Aberdeen