The Scottish Government is set for its third clash with Westminster this year as it seeks an extension to the areas in which it can designate Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs).

In an email seen by the Daily Record, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition Mairi McAllan said the Scottish Government intends “to seek powers to designate Highly Protected Marine Areas in Scottish waters beyond 12 nautical miles” and has “begun the process of discussing this with UK Government.”

Although most issues concerning the marine environment are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, decisions on Scottish waters beyond 12 nautical miles from the Scottish coast are reserved to Westminster.

A Tory minister has suggested the proposal will be rejected, meaning the Scottish Government will clash with the UK Government for the third time in a matter of months.

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