Scotland's whitefish and prawn fleets could be boosted by some £10 million as a result of the latest European deal, the Scottish Fishing Secretary said.

Richard Lochhead said he hoped the results of the Brussels talks, together with falling fuel prices, would give the industry some "welcome respite from the more challenging economic conditions".

The annual fisheries talks resulted in increases being agreed in key quotas for Scottish fishermen for the next 12 months, with a freeze on proposed cuts to days at sea also approved.

A 20% increase was agreed for the North Sea monkfish quota at the December Council of European Union Fishing Ministers, as well as a 15% increase for the prawns quota, with rises of 14% and 113% for West Coast haddock and for Rockall haddock respectively.

Speaking as he left Brussels following the conclusion of the talks, Mr Lochhead said: "The deal secured last night will increase the value of Scotland's whitefish and prawn stocks by around £10 million next year.

"This is an increase of almost 5% on top of the current value of £200 million and will bring more economic stability not just to our fishing fleet but to the onshore sector and many in the coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on it."

He added: "Coupled with decreasing fuel costs this will hopefully provide a bit of welcome respite from the more challenging economic conditions our fishing industry has been facing over the past few years."

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said last night: "It is particularly pleasing that for 2015 there will be more catching opportunity for haddock, monkfish, North Sea prawns and North Sea cod. This is helpful for the Scottish fleet and our thanks go to Scottish fishing minister Richard Lochhead and his negotiating team."