Wishart proposes proportional fisheries funding amendment
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland’s MSP Beatrice Wishart today (Tuesday 18th November 2025) proposed an amendment to the Scottish Government’s debate on the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Ms Wishart’s amendment called for proportionate allocation of funding recognising the contribution of island and coastal communities to the fishing industry and to Scotland’s wider economy.
At the end of last month, the UK Government announced that Scotland will receive 8% of the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Ms Wishart subsequently questioned the First Minister asking what Shetland might expect to receive from the fund.
Fellow Liberal Democrat, Alistair Carmichael MP, was informed last week in a meeting of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, that there were requests for the fund to be devolved leading to use of the Barnett formula resulting in the announced funding package.
Speaking in the debate Ms Wishart highlighted:
“As the Scottish Government motion states, the Fishing and Coastal Growth fund, that will come to Scotland, is just about 8 percent of the £360 million fund.
“In a recent session of FMQs, I highlighted to the First Minister that nine percent of the value of fish landed in the UK comes through Shetland ports.
“And let’s remember why this fund is available. It follows the botched Conservative Brexit deal and Labour’s disastrous 12-year deal which Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said is, and I quote; “an absolutely disastrous outcome for Scotland’s fishing fleet”.”
After the debate Ms Wishart commented:
“There has been too little time in this Parliamentary session dedicated to fisheries debates and I used backbench debate time earlier in the year to air the opportunities and threats to the sector. Today’s debate was even cut short by 50 minutes due to other business highlighting the lack of time for discussion given to this important sector.
“It was always unlikely that my amendment would pass due to the make up of the parliament though I am glad that the option was aired. Shetland punches above its weight in so many areas and none more so than in the fishing sector.
“The UK and Scottish Governments need to rethink the support they provide to our fishing sector. Our islands and coastal communities are often part of fragile local economies and a lack of support could have impacts running up and down the supply chain that support and are reliant on the fishing sector.”
Ms Wishart’s contributions to the debate can be seen here (opening speech) and here (closing speech).
Ms Wishart’s question to the First Minister can be seen here.