Projects supporting the fishing industry will benefit from the latest round of Marine Fund Scotland awards.<\/p>\n
Ten initiatives across the Banffshire and Buchan Coast area will receive support totalling \u00a33,873,215.68, helping to safeguard jobs, strengthen local businesses and support the long-term future of the region\u2019s marine industries.<\/p>\n
Funding grants will support fishing industry projects.<\/p>\n
The funding will support seafood processors Messers J Smith in Portsoy which will receive \u00a341,597.64 for factory upgrades and new machinery to increase processing capacity. This will create four jobs.<\/p>\n
Projects in Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Rosehearty will also receive grants.<\/p>\n
The investment will support improvements in harbour infrastructure, modernise local seafood processing, help new entrants into the fishing industry and enable coastal businesses to become more resilient and energy efficient.<\/p>\n
Welcoming the investment, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam said: \u201cThis is very welcome news for our coastal communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cNearly \u00a33.9 million going into 10 local projects is a significant boost for Banffshire and Buchan Coast.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means better harbours, support for our seafood businesses and practical help for people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis funding will help local firms upgrade equipment, cut energy costs and bring new people into the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good news for workers, families and businesses right across the constituency.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople in Banffshire and Buchan Coast know how important our fishing and wider marine sectors are \u2013 not just to this area, but to Scotland as a whole.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UK Government still hasn\u2019t fully replaced the EU funding that used to support this work, and many in the industry feel that promises have not been kept.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn contrast, the Scottish Government is using Marine Fund Scotland to work with industry, councils and communities to invest in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll keep making the case to ensure our area continues to get its fair share of support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since 2021, Marine Fund Scotland has provided more than \u00a370 million in grants to 390 projects nationwide, unlocking over \u00a3150 million of wider investment across Scotland\u2019s coastline.<\/p>\n
Announcing the latest awards, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: \u201cScotland\u2019s marine economy is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am pleased to announce these grant awards which will continue to support projects showcasing key innovation and development in our marine industries and coastal communities.\u201d<\/p>\n