Fishermen are to seek compensation for loss of earnings due to the exclusion zone around an oil rig grounded on the Western Isles.
The Transocean Winner rig was blown ashore in severe weather conditions on the western side of the Isle of Lewis last week when it detached from its tug en-route from Norway to Malta.
A 300-metre sea and air exclusion zone is in place around the semi-submersible which grounded at Dalmore beach near Carloway.
Duncan MacInnes, of the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association, said four boats would normally work in the exclusion zone.
He said: “This week there would be four vessels in the exclusion zone fishing exclusively for lobster and brown crab.
“This is the time of year when lobster are most plentiful in shallower grounds.
“Fishermen in Shetland got compensation when the Braer went down and we would insist on a similar compensation scheme for our members.”
Fishermen seek compensation for loss of earnings due to grounded oil rig
