Fishermen on Scotland's west coast say they face being wiped out by the drastic cuts to their quotas being put forward by the European Union.

Unions say dozens of coastal communities are under threat from the proposed changes which are expected to be confirmed in Brussels.

EU scientists have called for a complete ban on fishing for cod, haddock and whiting - the three main white fish stocks - because their numbers are now so low off the west coast of Scotland.

And while that could drive many white fish trawlers out of the water, the changes could also have an impact on 150 prawn and langoustine boats.

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EU fisheries commissioner Joe Borg says only those prawn and langoustine boats that are equipped with a special grid to stop other species being caught should be allowed to fish.

Langoustine catches are estimated to earn the west coast of Scotland up to £30m a year and unions say a fishing industry worth £75m a year and supporting 2,000 jobs is under threat.

"This would have catastrophic economic consequences. It would leave fishing communities completely bereft," said Scottish Fishermen's Federation chief Bertie Armstrong.

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