NEWS arrives from the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, which readers may remember attracted a few thrusts of the dirk from SNP politicians for having the temerity to pose questions about the effect of independence on the industry.

In a speech at its annual dinner last week, SFF president Ross Dougal pointedly reminded Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead that, "in a time of great political change and uncertainty, the industry requires full governmental support and the last thing it needs is the distraction of political point-scoring".

Decoded, it seems that the SFF's position is one of continuing wariness of the Scottish Government's tendency to emphasise issues that play up the distinction between the industries north and south of the Border, such as the inalienability of Scottish quotas, and the transfer of assets (as opposed to powers) to Scotland. There seems to be a hint that political interference could have consequences for Scots fishermen, such as the end of understandings about swapping quotas and suchlike.