Sixty projects across Scotland have been successful in the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland awards .
In Orkney, to support young fishers, £13,916 has been awarded towards the purchase of the Esmay at £34, 790.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
“Scotland’s marine economy is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities.
“Since 2021 the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more than £70 million in grants to 390 projects, facilitating a total of £150 million of investment and supporting jobs and communities right around our coastline and throughout our islands.
“I 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.”
The projects in this year’s funding aim to:
- Support more young people to enter the sector
- Promote Scottish seafood in the UK and abroad
- Install solar panels and upgrade insulation to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions
- Provide equipment, training and skips to support beach cleans
- Develop shellfish storage tanks to be placed at sea to supply lobster more sustainably