Fishermen in protest song comparing proposed ban to Highland Clearances

Two fishermen have written a protest song against plans to ban fishing in 10 per cent of Scottish waters, saying they consider the move one of the biggest risks to rural life since the Highland Clearances.

Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish. Image by Stephen Kearney, Little Day Productions

Donald MacNeil, 64, said fishing has been his “whole life” and it supports his family as well as the community he lives in on Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides.

He has teamed up with fellow fisherman Angus MacPhail, the founder of Celtic band Skipinnish, to make his recording debut in the track The Clearances Again – a stand against plans to introduce Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).

The Scottish Government proposals would place strict limits on some human activities, such as fishing and aquaculture, in at least 10 per cent of Scotland’s waters.

Ministers insist HPMAs will conserve marine ecosystems while providing economic and social benefits.

But Mr MacPhail, who is based on Barra in the Hebrides, said: “They (HPMAs) pose the biggest peacetime risk to our communities since the Highland Clearances and give zero regard to the effective local management of these waters.

“To be told by officials in Edinburgh that they know better than those of us in the fishing community is frankly insulting and proves they know nothing of how we operate and how fragile the economy of these communities are.

“For the sake of my children and those who will come after us, I will do everything I can to stand against these ill-conceived and badly planned proposals.”

Mr MacNeil, who sings the vocals on the track, said: “Fishing has been my whole life. It supports my family and many in the community I have lived in since I was born. I know every reef, skerry and sandbank around these shores, better than any who are pushing these devastating proposals on us.

“For generations we have fished responsibly, taken only what’s sustainable, and made sure we do not damage the industry.”

The Clearances Again is available to download on all streaming platforms from Friday. Skipinnish and Mr MacNeil will perform The Clearances Again live for the first time at the band’s Aberdeen Music Hall concert on May 12.