SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, yesterday joined the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDC) Royal Society Protection of Birds (RSPB) for a boat tour of the wildlife around Eilean Chaluim Chille, Lochs.

The organisations both work on various marine conservation projects throughout the Western Isles. WDC collects marine mammal data in the waters around Lewis, aided with the support of a very active network of community volunteers, and RSPB has undertaken a series of high profile projects on the islands, including the recent Shiant Isles Seabird Recovery Project.

Both organisations also provide local community outreach and education through schools and other events.

Alasdair Allan commented: "I would like to thank the WDC, RSPB and Lewis from Hebrides Fish n' Trips for the chance to come out and see some of the species these organisations are working to protect.

"On the boat tour we managed to see a variety of local wildlife, including porpoises, golden eagles, sea eagles and common seals, and discussed some of the key conservation issues that affect the waters around the Western Isles.

"There's a huge amount of potential for wildlife tourism to become a greater part of the islands visitor offering and I hope this will be developed further in the years to come."