Shetland Lib Dems, Alistair Carmichael, Beatrice Wishart and Emma Macdonald are demanding a fair deal for fishing against spatial squeeze
Shetland Liberal Democrats have backed a hard-hitting new report by the Shetland Fishermen’s Association and Voar which warns that offshore renewables risk squeezing Shetland’s family-owned fishing fleet out of productive grounds, saying Shetland’s seas “must work for our communities – not simply be carved up for distant interests.”
The report highlights how proposed floating windfarms to the east of Shetland, alongside the extensive cable corridors needed to service them, would occupy large areas of sea currently depended on by local fishing vessels, risking permanent exclusion from some of Shetland’s most valuable fishing grounds.
Responding to the report, Emma Macdonald said:
“Shetland’s fishing industry is woven into our economy, our identity, and our way of life. It supports families across the isles, provides skilled local jobs and food security, sustaining our communities from the top of Unst to bottom Sumburgh. Yet the growing scale and pace of offshore development now risk pushing our island fleet to the margins.
“We are not opposed to renewable energy – far from it. But a just transition cannot mean sacrificing our local livelihoods or treating Shetland’s seas as a playground for distant developers. Fishing families have sustained these islands for generations, and their future must be given equal weight.
“The industry has been clear: it does not object to sharing the sea – it objects to being ignored. Decisions about Shetland’s waters must involve Shetland from the very start, with safeguards that protect key fishing grounds and ensure our communities benefit fairly.
“Shetland’s future should not be a forced choice between fishing and renewables. With proper planning, genuine respect for local knowledge, and leadership rooted in our islands, both sectors can thrive. But that balance won’t happen by default – it demands urgency, meaningful consultation, and a settlement that guarantees Shetland a fair share of the benefits from our own seas.”
In his analysis of the situation, Alistair Carmichael MP added:
“For too long spatial squeeze on fishing grounds has been accepted as the default. Having raised the growing concerns for the fishing industry around spatial squeeze in Parliament for some time I am enormously pleased to see this report arrive.
“The industry does not object to sharing our seas with others – they simply want equal standing with everyone else.
“The biggest problem in fighting spatial squeeze is in the lack of accountability from the Scottish Government and the Crown Estate Scotland. The best solution to this problem is to bring everyone affected into the discussions from the start.
“There is no reason why fishermen, energy developers, and everyone else making use of our seas cannot come to an equitable balance of interests. If ministers and officials take this report seriously then it would be the basis for a better result for everyone.”
Concerned by the revelation, Beatrice Wishart MSP said:
“Our local family business vessels have faced many threats in recent years and anything that constrains access to traditional fishing grounds will be detrimental not only to catching but onwards throughout the supply chain on which so many livelihoods depend.
“Spatial squeeze of our fishing fleet is a real concern despite the advice that the SNP First Minister was given not to engage on the subject. At sea infrastructure can be planned and built in consultation with concerns listened to and addressed. The Scottish Government should learn that lesson sooner rather than later.”
