SNP MEP to sign on as Shetland Boat Deckhand

SNP MEP Mr Alyn Smith has agreed with Skipper Victor Laurenson that he will sign on with the Radiant Star as volunteer deckhand and work on a regular fishing trip on roughly 6 December weather permitting. Mr Smith will accompany the boat on a trip and be involved in all aspects of the work on the boat.

The trip is a visible example in support of the fighting the SNP carries out every day in the Scottish, UK and European parliaments to support the Scots fishing industry.

Speaking in advance of the trip, Mr Smith said:

"I'm so grateful to Victor for agreeing to take me along, though hope I will not be entirely useless I can lift and carry as well as the next man! The SNP is fighting on all fronts for Scots fishing communities, and while my colleague Ian Hudghton MEP takes the lead on fisheries policy in Brussels, I'm glad that I can come to Shetland and show my support of his work.

"Ian is already busy with Alex Salmond MP and Richard Lochhead MSP in preparing for the annual December Fisheries Council where it looks like yet again the Scots fleet will be under pressure. The SNP fights for Scotland and my work experience on the Radiant Star is part of that effort. I'm hugely looking forward to the challenge."