Commenting on the deal reached this evening by EU Ministers in Brussels over fish quotas, Scottish Liberal Democrat fisheries spokesman, Liam McArthur MSP said:

"As ever, what was threatened by way of cuts thankfully did not materialise. Indeed, aspects of this deal provide real opportunities, not least in terms of moves towards catching less and landing more.

"Nevertheless, the deal represents the usual curate's egg and parts of the Scottish fleet will undoubtedly find some of the quota cuts, combined with effort restrictions, extremely difficult indeed.

"For that reason, and after the mistakes made last year, Ministers would be well-advised not to rush to judgement. The measure of this deal, as with previous years, will only be accurately assessed in the weeks ahead".

ENDS