30-12-03

MP enters shark infested waters

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, will look fear in the eye on Friday, 9th January, when he swims with nature's most feared predator.

John will enter Deep Sea World's 4.5 million litre Underwater Tank to come face to face with the Sand Tiger Sharks, which can be up to 10 feet long.

The swim is part of the environmental competition that John promoted throughout schools in Edinburgh West. The competition asked pupils to design a poster that captured their view of the environment. The winners will be formally announced at the event and the competition has been sponsored by many companies , including Deep Sea World.

John said: "I have faced many challenges in the two years since being elected, but swimming with a creature as feared and respected as the shark is something completely different. However, it is a fitting finale to the competition that has attracted hundreds of entries from local schools in the area."

John will start his swim with sharks shortly after 12 noon on Friday , 9th January 2003 at Deep Sea World in North Queensferry.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For more details, contact :

Ewan Irvine on 0131 339 0339,
Jenny Cook, Deep Sea World  01383 411 880 x201