Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 22 November 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle Agrees Improved Links With Fish Farming Sector

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Development Services Committee today agreed to improve links with the fish farming industry in the Western Isles by setting up a liaison group with a remit to discuss issues of mutual interest with representatives of the Western Isles fish farming industry on a regular basis.

The move follows a request from representatives of the fish farming sector for improved liaison.

The Chairman of Development Services, Cllr. Donald Maclean, said today:

"The seeting up of this liaison group is a recognition of the importance of the fish farming industry in its own right. It is a vital part of the Western Isles economy in terms of employment, output value and the economic and social benefits it brings to many of the remoter areas within the islands.

New legislative arrangements will mean that it is essential that the Comhairle has regular dialogue with representatives of the fish farming sector and I welcome this latest move to respond to the needs of the industry"

With the inclusion of processing, marketing and other directly related activities, fish farming accounts for around 700 full time equivalent jobs in the Western Isles.

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