Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed news that the UK has signed a fisheries agreement with the Faroe Islands.
The deal follows a similar coastal state agreement reached with Norway in September.
Annual negotiations on the issues of quota shares and access to waters will take place with both countries after the UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy at the end of December.
The agreement with the Faroe Islands includes principles that demonstrate the shared will of the UK and the Faroe Islands to cooperate as independent coastal states and seek effective and sustainable management of their fisheries.
Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid said:
“This is another significant step forward in our road to becoming an independent coastal state.
“The UK already has an agreement in place with Norway, and this deal with the Faroe Islands is on the same basis.
“The UK leaves the Common Fisheries Policy at the end of this year. From January, we will have control over access to our waters.
“That means we negotiate annually with other coastal states on quota and access.
“This is good news for the Scottish fishing industry and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”