Fishermen face an unexpected reduction in their EU quotas

Government officials claimed to have secured a 53% rise in the quota as part of last month's European Union deal.

But Scottish deputy fisheries minister Allan Wilson has revealed the quota is lower than previously claimed.

The confusion emerged after further EU talks on the issue with Norway.

Lower expectations

Mr Wilson said: "As a result of these negotiations it has become clear the percentage increase in North Sea haddock quota secured in Brussels was lower than we had been led to believe.

"The discrepancy arose on the basis of information presented by the commission which was only formally published correctly in the EU-Norway documents."

Mr Wilson said the talks were ongoing and government officials were determined to get the best possible deal for everyone concerned.

Kick in the teeth

UK officials are currently in negotiations with the European Commission aimed at tidying up the loose ends of the deal, which is set to come into force on 1 February.

But Scottish National Party fisheries spokesman Richard Lochhead said the news was "a kick in the teeth" for Scotland's fishermen.