Scottish Tories rally behind pikers

Conservative MPs in Scotland are rallying behind pike fishing as the Scottish Parliament gets set to debate a ban on livebaiting.

In a reply to an e-mail from a PAC member Dave Petrie, Scottish Conservative Spokesman for Communities, and the MSP for Highlands & Island, said: "I refer to your recent e-mail regarding the above matter which is currently being discussed at the Scottish Parliament and thank you for taking the time to write.

"The Scottish Conservative spokesman responsible for this area is my colleague Ted Brocklebank, Rural Affairs Spokesman.

"He has always maintained a high level of interest into matters concerning fishing and I know it is a Bill he is working very hard on to ensure that only the best possible legislation is introduced.

"I have accordingly discussed the particular matter of a ban on live bait with him for you.

"We both very much share your concerns on Executive proposals to ban live bait and its consequences to the future of pike fishing in Scotland.

"The Scottish Conservative Party is united in its opposition to these measures and we will be doing all we can to oppose such attempts. We are currently looking into ways of amending the Bill to achieve these aims."

Scottish MPs are expected to debate the Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill, which includes proposals to ban all live vertebrates for bait, on January 24.