More than 280 tonnes of used fishing nets from Scotland will be sent to Ukraine to help counter Russian drone attacks, the Scottish Government has announced.
The nets, previously stored for recycling, are being repurposed following a direct request from the Ukrainian government. According to the Scottish Government, 228 former salmon farm nets weighing around 280 tonnes will be shipped to Ukraine to be used as overhead anti-drone netting protecting roads and infrastructure in the country’s east.
The nets are intended to trap drone propellers, preventing them from reaching their targets.
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the Scottish Government is committed to aiding Ukraine’s defence and this donation demonstrates that our support is unwavering.”
He added: “The Ukrainian Minister for the Development of Communities made a direct request for Scotland to supply used fishing nets, which would be repurposed to provide anti-drone netting on public roads in Eastern Ukraine.”
Robertson said: “We identified 228 old salmon farm nets, weighing 280 tonnes, sitting in storage awaiting disposal. They work by trapping the drone propellers, stopping them reaching their target.” He continued: “Drone attacks are a near daily occurrence. They have been responsible for many deaths and casualties as well as causing huge devastation across Ukraine. This will help counter some of these deadly attacks.”
The Directorate for International Trade and Investment has allocated £216,000 towards the cost of transporting the nets to Ukraine. Denmark, Sweden and France have also donated fishing nets for similar anti-drone purposes. Scottish Government officials are finalising arrangements for the transfer in coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
And Butterfly nets with girt long andles I hope.
Whilst I help my team’s fundraisers, I quite often see other fundraisers for and donations towards fishing nets.
It’s not all drones, jammers, and vehicles
All those fishing nets left on the quayside are doing nothing, get them to Ukraine👍
Those nets save lives by covering miles of roads and defences
The volunteers also turn them into camouflage netting
These 280 tonnes are going to be a great help
Its as bit of original thinking, sadly lacking in many aspects these days.