Seafood sector to benefit from £11.4 million

1st September 2016

Fishing groups across Scotland are set to benefit from £11.4 million of European funding to help deliver economic growth, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said today.

This funding is part of the first round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund and will support 65 projects across the country, enabling investment of up to £48 million in sea fisheries, aquaculture and processing industries.

Speaking ahead of his visit to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) in Bellshill, who previously received assistance of £580,000 to upgrade the factory and purchase equipment. Mr Ewing said: "EU funding is a lifeline to many of our fragile coastal communities and helps to create and sustain jobs in the fishing sector. This funding package will provide crucial support for fishermen, sustainable aquaculture, the processing sector and the communities and jobs which depend on them. It will also benefit our renowned seafood by helping to promote Scottish produce on the world stage to premium markets.

"This is particularly important given the uncertainty created by Brexit, and we need assurances from the UK Government that EMFF funding will be guaranteed for commitments running to 2020.

"In the absence of clarity from the UK Government, I will do all that I can to provide certainty and reassurance to the industry and get on with the day to day business of government."

More information on EMFF is available here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies

A full list of projects who have received funding is available here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies/awards/Initiatives

MV Boy Ritchie11 registered at Wick has received a grant of £17,685.00 under this programme.