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A 12-week consultation exercise started on Friday (16 September) on a proposal to designate a marine area off the west coast of Scotland as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The location within the Sound of Barra has been proposed for its qualifying features of reefs, subtidal sandbanks and common (harbour) seal.
The Scottish Government has asked Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to carry out the consultation. This provides anyone with an interest the chance to comment on the scientific justification for the proposed designation. SNH will also collate views on social and economic aspects, which can be used to inform any future management proposals. The final decision on designation of the proposed SAC lies with the Scottish Government.
SNH will hold two public meetings in the Outer Hebrides as part of the consultation process. The first takes place at Castlebay Hall, Barra, at 7:30pm on 3 October; the second public meeting will be held at Eriskay Hall, South Uist, at 7:30pm on 4 October.
David Maclennan, SNH's Hebrides' manager, said: "We are committed to the consultation process we are carrying out on behalf of the Scottish Government.
"I would therefore urge everyone with an interest to either attend the meetings or take part in the consultation by contacting the local office or responding to the consultation e-mail at sound-of-barra-consultation@snh.gov.uk. "
"There are obviously concerns which have been expressed in some areas, and we would urge those who may have opposing views to take part in the consultation process. The boundary of the recent East Mingulay SAC was changed after meetings between fisherman, Marine Scotland and ourselves, and this shows that consultation and a frank exchange of views can lead to significant and positive changes."
Details on the consultation and of the proposed SAC are available on SNH's website at www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/protected-areas/site-consultations/sound-of-barra/, and in paper form from SNH's office in Stilligarry, South Uist. Local staff will be available to discuss the proposals during the consultation period. SNH will gather responses from a variety of sources including letters and emails and report the findings to Ministers following the consultation.
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