The Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead announced the 11th round of awards under the EFF fund during a fisheries debate in parliament. These grants will support 45 new projects through £3.1 million funding and enable investment of over £11 million.
The First Minister Alex Salmond announced an extra £3 million for Scottish fishing harbours earlier this year. Harbours were damaged by storms late last year, which were caused by an unusual combination of south easterly gales, low pressures and high tides, and were described as the worst in decades. Further funding in this scheme has been held back to deal with any new calls over the winter months.
The latest EFF Funding recipients include:
- Mapco Ltd, Peterhead who received £248,346 to expand their facilities and purchase new equipment.
- TN Trawlers Ltd, Annan who received £78,000 to upgrade their catch handling system and revisions to their decking
- Tranquillity BF7, Fraserburgh who received £60,706 for vessel upgrades
The harbour funding will be used towards the costs to repair harbours, sea walls, and quaysides. Recipients include:
- Peterhead - £650,000
- Lybster - £609,000
- Kyle of Lochalsh - £53,000
Mr Lochhead also announced the extension for applications under the EFF scheme, up to the end of June which will allow support to continue to be delivered.
Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland is world renowned for delicious and high quality caught and farmed fish. These industries contribute over a billion pounds to the economy and support around 14,000 full time jobs across Scotland. This package of support continues this Government commitment to these industries.
“I am also announcing an extension to the EFF application phase while negotiations continue on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Regulation. We are working hard to secure the necessary financial package to support our ambitious reform package and wider support to marine industries in a way which provides economic sustainability for the Scottish fleet and onshore industry, as well as environmental sustainability and decentralisation.
“Crucially for Scotland’s interests, boosting aquaculture is also now a central pillar of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This is a successful and growing sector in Scotland that contributes hugely to remote, rural communities. We want this sector to continue to grow sustainably with the EMFF a central plank in our ambitions in this area.”
Nasar Rashid, Mapco for their EFF project: "Mapco Limited are delighted with not only the award but the manner in which the process was administered and all the impeccable assistance throughout the process. The award will further enhance Mapcos reputation to remain at the forefront of the fish dehydrating sector amongst stiff competition from emerging markets.
“We will now be able to make our production more energy efficient, improve working conditions and be technically ahead of our competitors. The award will bring additional income into the fishing industry for a product which had previously be regarded as waste."
John Wallace at Peterhead regarding the Harbour repair award: “There was significant storm damage around Peterhead harbour last December which affected both ourselves and many tenants. We are still working to repair damage and improve sea defences to vulnerable parts of the port.
“This additional £650,000 grant from Marine Scotland will unlock a further £1.3 million of work which will benefit a whole range of fishing related harbour users and businesses based around the port. We are particularly grateful for this assistance which comes on top of £250,000 of emergency assistance received earlier in the year.”
