An SNP MP has called on the Scottish government to delay its planned introduction later this year of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Angus MacNeil said the government should listen to the concerns of fishing communities in his Western Isles constituency.

He said there should be a delay to allow additional powers to be agreed for island communities.
The SNP government sees MPAs as a way of better protecting marine habitats.

Their introduction has support from conservation charities and elements of the fishing industry, including creel fishermen.

Mr MacNeil has made his call a day after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was on a visit to Skye, invited islanders to have their say in a consultation on proposals that could see additional powers given to island communities.

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