Arbroath fishermen voiced their concerns with regard to proposals for the creation of a wind farm in the Bell Rock area off Arbroath when they met with Angus MP Mike Weir.

They had expressed worries that the wind farm could interfere with their traditional fishing grounds.

After the meeting Mr Weir said it was vital that the interests of fishermen be taken into account in planning offshore wind farms.

He went on: "Local fishermen are expressing understandable and legitimate concerns about the impact that any development may have on their traditional fishing grounds.

"It is absolutely vital that these concerns are addressed during the planning process.

"I have previously contacted the developers and have been assured that they will speak directly to fishermen and I will continue to press them to do so as soon as possible."

He concluded: "The development of offshore wind farms offer huge potential but they must take into account the needs of other users of the sea. It is in no one's interest for there to be disputes between developers and local fisherman because of lack of communication."

Mr Weir is hoping to meet the developers this week to directly discuss the issue and press for more information to be made available to local fishermen as soon as possible.