The area’s MP Sir Menzies Campbell, has highlighted the fears of local crewmen over the rising cost of fuel, which they claim is making it uneconomical to put to sea.

The former Liberal Democrat leader has written to Richard Lochhead, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, to ask what action, if any, will be pursued to help fishermen like those in the East Neuk of Fife.

Last month, Sir Menzies had a meeting with representatives of the Fishermen’s Mutual Association in Pittenweem, who told him skippers could not afford to leave the harbour because of rising oil prices.

FMA Manager/Secretary William Hughes said many were effectively earning less than the minimum wage and the incentive to set sail was being destroyed.

In his letter to Mr Lochhead, Sir Menzies said he shared the fishermen’s “anxiety” adding, “Prolonged inability to fish can only damage the industry and adversely effect the local economy”.

At Present there are around 30 boats working out of Pittenweem Fife’s main fishing port at the prawn fishing.

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