A submarine testing site on Scotland’s west coast could be expanded, raising concerns for the local fishing industry.
The Raasay Range between Raasay and Applecross is used to trial the Royal Navy’s nuclear and attack submarines.
Boats are banned from fishing in the six-mile-long, three-mile-wide zone. Trawlers can only remain in the area as long as necessary for them to travel the length of the Inner Sound.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to launch a consultation over the plans in June, involving local fishermen.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jean Urquhart said: "We have to ask why we would restrict the sea for fishermen and others and to what end.
"Equally as important [as the impact on fishing] is finding out why they plan to expand the area and there seems to be some confusion over the money and where it will be sourced from."
An MoD spokeswoman added: “Consultation with local sea-users regarding the proposed expansion of the protected area is due to begin in June 2015. No final decisions will be made before then.”
They added the MoD and range operators QuintQ have maintained a “close relationship with local fisherman over many years”.
The Raasay Range between Raasay and Applecross is used to trial the Royal Navy’s nuclear and attack submarines.
Boats are banned from fishing in the six-mile-long, three-mile-wide zone. Trawlers can only remain in the area as long as necessary for them to travel the length of the Inner Sound.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to launch a consultation over the plans in June, involving local fishermen.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jean Urquhart said: "We have to ask why we would restrict the sea for fishermen and others and to what end.
"Equally as important [as the impact on fishing] is finding out why they plan to expand the area and there seems to be some confusion over the money and where it will be sourced from."
An MoD spokeswoman added: “Consultation with local sea-users regarding the proposed expansion of the protected area is due to begin in June 2015. No final decisions will be made before then.”
They added the MoD and range operators QuintQ have maintained a “close relationship with local fisherman over many years”.
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