The Ministry of Defence has been accused of “riding roughshod” over fishing communities with a plan to expand its submarine testing site off the west coast of Scotland.
Earlier this year, fears were raised that fishermen would be excluded amid the proposed extension of layouts in the Sound of Raasay, between Applecross and Rona.
New bylaws are required for changes to water space at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (Butec), which trials submarine weapons systems.
SNP MP Ian Blackford has twice received assurances from the UK Government – first in June and again in July – that the process would not progress without a public consultation to take into account the livelihoods of some 140 fishermen.
But now a notice is due to appear in the local press today proposing new bylaws for the Inner Sound.
The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said the move left the community facing a fait accompli.
“We can’t stop them doing it, but let’s understand the interests of the community as well,” he said.
“Some of the best prawns in the whole country come from there. Some of the skippers would give their boats up. It could have a devastating impact on the local economy.
“The MoD seems determined to ride roughshod over the communities of the western Highlands and Islands.”
Mr Blackford has now written to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon asking him to make a statement in the Commons once parliament returns after the conference recess.
SNP defence spokesman Brendan O’Hara said it was “another example of MoD decisions being made in London with no knowledge of the local area or of the potential economic impact on fragile fishing jobs”.
A MoD spokesman said the consultation regarding the proposed expansion was already underway with a range of stakeholders.
He added: “We have been clear that we are committed to proper engagement as part of the MoD bylaw review and no decision on the ranges will be made until this is complete.”
It is understood a separate consultation process with local fishermen has been undertaken by operator QinetiQ, whose proposal to “optimise and sustain” the Raasay Ranges was accepted in principle last year.
Discussions with members of the Inner Sound fishing community about whether controlled creel and dive fishing in the area might be possible at certain times are also believed to be planned.