evidence: Rockall is an island which covers about half the area of an ice-hockey rink, sitting 260 miles (418km) west of Scotland’s Western Isles. It was thrust into the headlines earlier this month when the Scottish Government warned that vessels from the Republic of Ireland could be boarded if they fish within 12 miles (19km) of the rock formation. The United Kingdom claims ownership over Rockall and the 12 nautical miles of ocean around it – and the Scottish government says it has always been unlawful for any non-British boats to fish within this radius. [...] Scottish industry experts have given their backing to the Scottish government’s position over Rockall, which was claimed by the UK in 1955 and incorporated into Scotland’s territory 17 years later.