A top government minister insisted yesterday Brexit will lead to a revitalised fishing industry in the north-east of Scotland.

Michael Gove stood in Buckie Harbour to pledge to reverse four decades of fishing industry decline.

He spoke to local fisherman to hear about their concerns and opinions on splitting with the EU and told them the government will not back down on plans to take back control of Scottish waters.

The Cabinet Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, reassured those fathered that the government would be leaving the EU with exclusive rights to a 200 mile economic stretch of water and out of the controversial Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

And Mr Gove said he believes the decline of the fishing industry at ports in the north-east of Scotland will be halted when the UK leaves the EU.

He said: “The government is totally committed to take back control of our waters as we leave the EU.

“Our existing economic zone extends out to 200 miles. It should be ours and will be once again when we leave the EU.

“That creates a sea of opportunity; a huge chance for our fishing industry to revive.

“For four decades now we have seen the fishing industry decline and communities like Buckie, Portsoy, Macduff and Cullen have all lost out as a result.

“Now there is a chance for us to be able to ensure the fishing industry revives.

“There are thousands of new jobs and millions of pounds of new money making its way into our economy.”