The Scottish Wildlife Trust has today given its full support to Scottish Natural Heritage’s proposal to designate the Sound of Barra as a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive.

The Habitats Directive includes a requirement to establish Special Areas of Conservation for a number of listed habitats and species on land and at sea. There is still more to do to fully implement these obligations in Scotland’s marine environment and the designation of the Sound of Barra would provide protection for currently under represented features of sandbanks, reefs and harbour seals. The decision to designate the sites lies with Scottish Ministers, and must be based on scientific evidence and meet the UK’s obligations under the Habitats Directive.

Alex Kinninmonth of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said:

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust is fully behind Scottish Natural Heritage’s proposal to designate the Sound of Barra as a Special Area of Conservation. It is imperative for Scotland’s wildlife, economy and international reputation that our most significant sites are given the fullest protection and the Sound of Barra is one of Scotland’s wildlife jewels. Scotland is lucky to have a number of internationally important sites and we should do everything we can to protect them.”

Read the Trust's full response to the Sound of Barra proposal here.