Convener of CPG on Fisheries questions Moray FLOW park representatives.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Fisheries and Coastal Communities, welcomed members, industry representatives and guest speakers to a well attended on-line meeting on Wednesday 26 November.

The meeting centred on a detailed Q&A session with Will Rowley of Offshore Solutions on the proposed Moray FLOW Park, a large-scale floating offshore wind development planned off the coast of the Moray Firth. The project has raised significant concerns among fishers and coastal communities, particularly around the loss of traditional fishing grounds, safety, and wider impacts on the marine environment.

This was a meeting arranged after public debate heightened in recent months, including political criticism directed at Karen Adam for not supporting a symbolic amendment that offered no material change or protection for fishers. She has been consistent in stating that real solutions require direct dialogue, not meaningless gestures, and that communities deserve more than headline chasing politics.

Speaking after the meeting, Karen Adam MSP said:

“I’ve been clear from the beginning that the proposers of the Moray FLOW Park must meet directly with the fishing industry and our coastal communities. What matters is not symbolic votes but meaningful engagement and tonight we created the space for exactly that. I want to thank Will Rowley for attending, and I’m especially grateful to the fishers and industry representatives who spoke with honesty and passion about the future of our coastline.”

She continued:

“My job is not to posture, it’s to make sure people can speak to each other directly. Constituents deserve more than stunts. They deserve solutions, transparency and honesty.”

Alongside the open Q&A, members also received an update from Dr Mitchell Lennan of the University of Aberdeen on ongoing research work commissioned by the CPG into marine spatial planning. Karen Adam said the report strengthens the constructive approach the group has taken from the outset:

“From the day I convened this group, the goal has been to ensure we work from evidence, not assumptions. The University of Aberdeen’s research gives us independent clarity on the legal framework governing our seas. That is essential if we are to navigate the pressures on our marine space fairly.”

Acknowledging the lack of MSP attendance, she added:

“It was notable that no other MSPs attended this session. I won’t speculate on individual reasons, but I do hope colleagues will consider joining us for the follow-up meeting in the new year. These issues matter deeply to coastal communities and deserve cross-party attention.”

Karen welcomed Offshore Solutions’ agreement to return in the new year and said the tone of the discussion had been “respectful but robust.”

“Like many in the public, I share concerns about this project. But last night showed what happens when people come to the table in good faith. The industries of tomorrow cannot come at the cost of the successful industries we have today.”

She emphasised that the CPG will continue its work to ensure those most affected by major North Sea developments are not only consulted but involved at every step, recognising the central importance of Scotland’s fishing sector to the economy, culture and identity of coastal areas.