Two Scottish MPs have praised the Press and Journal for their speedy support of a campaign to get justice for hundreds of Aberdeen trawlermen.

After a request by Aberdeen Central MP Frank Doran, the newspaper hunted through the archives and produced cuttings to assist with compensation claims from the Cod Wars.

The newspapers turned up details of 21 trawlers caught up in the dispute with Iceland over fishing limits between 1974 and 1979.

As a result, more than 300 Aberdeen men lost their jobs, and have yet to receive the compensation they feel they are entitled to.

Frank Doran MP said: “We are dealing with large sums of public money, so finding sources is extremely important and I am very grateful to the Press and Journal for responding so quickly and efficiently to my request for evidence.”

The evidence will help those crew members who fished for a least two continuous years in those seas to substantiate their claims for compensation.

Mr Doran added that the Department of Trade and Industry would be sending a team of representatives to inspects all the records discovered.

Mr Doran was backed by Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson, who has also joined the fight, he said: “I commend the Press and Journal for taking this up because it is important to secure natural justice for them.”

While the secretary of the Aberdeen Branch of the British Fisherman’s Association, John Gowie, said he was delighted with the support from the Press and Journal, but warned that the DTI still had to be convinced to accept the evidence.

A spokesman for the DTI said “all reasonable evidence will be considered” in supports of the records of boats and their crews.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
0116 227 3122, or e-mail us now