Stricter security on cockle beds

Cockling boats have returned to the beds on the Solway

New rules have been introduced on the Scottish Solway Firth to try to stop cocklers putting their lives at risk.

Licensed hand gatherers have been allowed back on the beds but operators of the fishery have banned any night fishing in the area.

Extra boats have also been licensed to take the cocklers across dangerous rivers and burns.

An estimated £2m worth of cockles will be harvested from the Solway over the next two months.

The fishery has been reopened for 100 hand gatherers, six cockle fishing boats and one tractor.

'Strengthened powers'

The operator, the Solway Shellfish Management Association (SSMA), wants a viable industry to be set up.

It believes it is now in a position to clamp down on illegal cocklers raiding the area.

"This had been a problem in the past but parliament has strengthened the powers given to us to police the fishery," said Chris Rollie of the SSMA.

"So far we have not seen a repeat of the illegal fishing that we had last year."