Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, will be the keynote speaker at the CoastHebrides afternoon conference to be held in the Cabarfeidh Hotel on Friday 14th September.

Earlier in the summer, Mr Lochhead announced his intention to introduce a Scottish Marine Bill which would deliver a simpler regulatory system for the marine environment, more action on marine nature conservation and greater local control over marine and coastal areas. Over the past month, the Scottish Executive has undertaken a taking- stock exercise and discussions on Scotland's inshore fisheries A well attended meeting in Benbecula gave their views on the future of the local fishing industry.

The conference, to be chaired by Ken MacDonald of the BBC, will be open to anyone with an interest in the coast and sea around the Hebrides. The focus of the conference will be on the importance of the coastal zone to economic development in the islands. Speakers will give their views on coastal and sea based industries such as inshore fisheries, fish farming, influences of the coastal environment on crofting, eco-tourism and the potential for offshore renewable energy production.

The talks will be followed by a panel discussion and the audience will have the opportunity to ask marine or coastal related questions. This is a significant meeting as it provides an opportunity to impress upon the Minister the continuing importance of the islands marine and coastal environment to the economy of the Outer Hebrides.

CoastHebrides Conference Programme (PDF 45KB)

NOTE:
Richard Lochhead, Cabient Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, will not now be attending the CoastHebrides conference on Friday 14th September. His place will be taken by Andrew Brown, Head of Fisheries Strategy and Environment Branch of Marine Directorate.

ENDS.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The Outer Hebrides Coastal Marine Partnership (CoastHebrides) is a multi-partner organisation seeking to better integrate the management and development of the many activities which take place on our coast and inshore water. The membership, made up of community members, business representatives, environmental organisations and statutory organisations, stands at around 200.

CONTACT

David Muir

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Coordinator
Cornhairle nan Eilean Siar
Balivanich
Benbecula HS7 5LA
Tel: 01870 603860
Mob: 07825 425713

Email:d.muir@cne-siar.gov.uk