A cabinet meeting in Dumfries will see the Scottish Fishermen's Federation petition the Scottish Government to financially commit itself to the survival of the Scottish fishing industry.

Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive of the SFF was remained positive about the future of the fishing industry: "..There is a wonderful renewable resource which is ours to harvest and there is a hungry market for the product."

He emphasised however, the growing concern over fuel costs and the impact this will have on the industry. Armstrong claims that assistance is possible via an established European framework, but stresses that the Fuel Task Force and Fisheries Minister must be supported by co-funding on the part of the government if relief is to be brought to the industry. Warning of the potential consequences of a lack of governmental support, Mr. Armstrong says:

"If no funding is forthcoming, then it is inevitable that some fishing vessels will go to the wall. Where this happens, the infrastructure and community support in that area will go with it. It is a very stark choice that the government faces."

Fisheries Minister Mr Lochhead promises a three-year plan, aiming "...to achieve a sustainable and profitable fishing industry that has adapted to high fuel costs and is fit for the 21st century." Mr Lochhead emphasises that this plan will based on cooperation with the fishing industry, and will meet with the Fuel Task Force to further discuss the planned measures.

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