Hans J Marter

10 August, 2007

SCOTLAND'S most northerly fishing port could receive a major boost later this month should the Scottish Executive decide to grant it designated landing status.

At present, Cullivoe, on Yell, can only accept landings of cod and hake below two tonnes in weight.

Shetland Islands Council's ports general manager Jim Dickson said yesterday (Thursday) that there was a good chance of Cullivoe being included in a list of Scottish ports that are allowed to accept larger fish landings.

He said that a decision was imminent following discussions with SEERAD, the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department.

Lerwick and Scalloway are the only Shetland ports with designated landing port status (DLP), although Cullivoe is popular with many north eastern boats that fish the waters to the north of Shetland.

Mr Dickson said: "Should Cullivoe be granted DLP status it would make a contribution to the council's priorities of strengthening rural areas and supporting the local economy."