The latest round of awards from the Marine Fund Scotland sees 67 projects sharing in a total of £14million from the Scottish Government.

Grants awarded in Orkney for this year were as follows:

RSPB Scotland: for civic mediation and public engagement for Enhanced Marine Protection. Award: £142,538.60. Total cost of project: £142,538.60

• RSPB Scotland will be overseeing this project, with the Centre for Good Relations commissioned to deliver the main project outcomes and the bulk of the mediation activity. The Centre for Good Relations are experienced mediation practitioners with backgrounds in the public sector, voluntary organisations and private business
• The location of the pilot has not yet been decided. The first step will be to scope out a pilot location –  between Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides.

Greener Orkney: What is on the Northern Orkney isles coastlines. Award: £40,000. Total cost of project: £40,000.

Orkney Islands Council: engaging island communities in marine planning. Award: £12,171.50. Total cost of project: £12,171.50.

Private individual: to help buy first fishing boat. Award: £18,000. Total cost of project: £45,000.

MFV Willow: to purchase and install a flake ice maker. Award: £3,817.50. Total cost of project: £7,635

Private individual: to improve catch quality. Award: £390. Total cost of project: £780.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Our island and coastal communities and the marine industries based here make a huge contribution to Scotland – not just to our economy but also to our efforts to drive innovation and sustainability.

“Over the last four years, Marine Fund Scotland has supported hundreds of pioneering projects that are already contributing to building prosperity whilst at the same time protecting the planet.”

2024-2025 was the last year of guaranteed funding from the Marine Fund Scotland awards as it awaits confirmation of the budget from 2025-2026 onwards.

The funding can support eligible individuals, businesses, organisations and communities to deliver projects which contribute to an innovative and sustainable marine economy, reducing carbon emissions and supporting coastal communities.

Click on this link for all grants awarded: Marine Fund Scotland

Fiona Grahame