A SPAT has erupted between Scotland and Ireland over fishing rights around the uninhabited islet of Rockall.

The Scottish Government stated that it will take “enforcement action” against Irish vessels fishing within 12 miles of Rockall.

The UK claims sovereignty over the outcrop.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Irish vessels, or any non-UK vessels for that matter, have never been allowed to fish in this way in the UK’s territorial sea around Rockall and, despite undertaking extensive discussions with the Irish authorities on the matter, it is disappointing that this activity continues. It is our duty and obligation to defend the interests of Scottish fisheries and ensure compliance with well-established international law.

“We have provided an opportunity for the Irish Government to warn their fishers not to fish illegally and hope that this opportunity is taken up as this will of course obviate the need to take enforcement action – which would otherwise be implemented to protect our fisheries’ interests.”

Rockall lies 260 miles off the Western Isles.

Irish Government minister Michael Creed said he wanted to “avoid a situation whereby Irish fishing vessels who continue to fish for haddock, squid and other species in the 12-mile area around Rockall are under the unwarranted threat of ‘enforcement action’ by the Scottish Government”.

He added: “However, following this sustained unilateral action by them, I have no option but to put our fishing industry on notice of the stated intention of the Scottish Government.”