Sea fisheries, aquaculture and processing businesses in Scotland will receive a share of GBP 8.4 million (USD 10.9 million, EUR 9.3 million) funding to boost growth and protect jobs in coastal communities.
It has been confirmed by Scottish government that the latest round of the EU’s European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will deliver 86 projects that will help businesses to upgrade or modernize equipment across the country.
New grants include the award of GBP 1.7 million (USD 2.2 million, EUR 1.9 million) for the refurbishment of the Pierowall Pier in Westray, Orkney. This will support the work of 11 inshore vessels that supply the main processors on Westray and provide jobs for the community.
Other funding recipients include MJ French Fish Export Ltd. in Fraserburgh, which will receive a GBP 362,000 (USD 471,365, EUR 399,905) to upgrade its processing facility, while a number of smaller grants will be used for fishermen to upgrade their safety equipment.
Announcing details of the funding, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said that Scotland’s rural economy played a crucial role in supporting communities.
“This support will help processing businesses to expand and enhance their work and make the day to day routines of fishermen easier and safer, by improving the quality of its products and enabling them to develop more environmentally friendly methods.
“I will continue to put pressure on the U.K. government to engage Scotland on its thinking regarding future funding arrangements in order that we can shape a set of arrangements which respond to Scotland’s needs and reflect the devolved nature of marine policy,” he said.
