Over £2 Million Invested In Highland and Moray Fishing Communities

5th September 2019

Twenty-six projects have received a share of £900,000 through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to boost the local economy and create jobs within the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries, backing a total investment of over £2 million pounds.

The funding has been awarded through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund & Scottish Government to encourage community-led local development and enable localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

Sarah Lamb, Development Officer for the FLAG said: "The FLAG has been active for just over three years now and in that time they have seen a fantastic variety of projects come through the door. The level of funding awarded has varied from £2,500 right up to £100,000, with projects including helping fishermen add value to their catch, creating jobs in the growing marine tourism market and infrastructure improvements ensuring our harbours remain fit for purpose. At the moment we only have limited funding remaining, so if you have a project idea that you think may meet the FLAG criteria please get in touch to discuss potential funding support."

Recent awards include £51,063 to Assynt Crofters Trust to renovate and upgrade the community jetty at Culkein Stoer. Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Jeanette McCarthy said:"The jetty had fallen into serious disrepair over the years. The Trust took action though the Community Asset Transfer scheme and bought the jetty from Highland Council with the hope of being able to reinstate it. FLAG funding is going to allow us to upgrade the jetty and bring it back into use for the local community. We are a small, remote Highland community and rely strongly on our coastline to provide a livelihood and draw visitors to the area. The jetty will be a fantastic benefit to local fishermen and visitors to the area who wish to explore by sea."

In Moray, Elgin & Lossiemouth Harbour Company will receive £29,374 to improve access and create a vessel and equipment storage area at Lossiemouth harbour, while Cullen Sea School will receive £96,052 towards the re-development of the harbour front ‘parliament' building to provide multi-purpose training space, upgraded public toilet facilities and a small retail kiosk.

The Highland & Moray FLAG membership is representative of local community and industry interests who will consider applications and decide how funding should be allocated locally.

The fund is open to sole traders, businesses (targeted at small and medium sized enterprises), community groups, harbour authorities and Fishermen's Associations located within Highland and Moray coastal communities.

For further guidance and to obtain a copy of the Expression of Interest form please contact the FLAG Development Officer Sarah Lamb on 01955 608265 or email sarah.lamb@highland.gov.uk. Further information and a copy of the form can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk