STEVENSON DELIGHTED BY FUEL SUPPORT FOR HARD PRESSED FISHING FLEET

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the SNP government’s announcement that an additional £29 million is to be made available to the Scottish fishing industry to help combat the effects of soaring fuel prices.

Fully half the earnings of boats are currently spent on fuel costs, but thanks to these measures funding will now be available to make Scotland’s fishing fleet more fuel efficient and to help meet other non-fuel related costs.

The £29 million is made up of a combination of Scottish and EU funding and will help to deliver a sustainable and profitable fishing industry that is able to cope with high fuel prices.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The announcement of this funding is a fantastic boost for the fishing industry in Banff & Buchan and will make a real difference to families whose livelihoods depend on the sea. The Scottish Government has worked closely with the industry’s Fuel Task Force to develop a plan that will have a real impact.

“I am only disappointed by Westminster’s continued refusal to offer any kind of support to the industry, especially given that any action to deal with the economic effects of soaring fuel prices is their responsibility. However, we will continue to put pressure on them in the hope we can push them into action.

“The Scottish fishing fleet now has a three year plan to help it adapt to the difficult circumstances it finds itself in and I believe that thanks to the enormous efforts it has made to adapt, along with the Scottish Government’s continued support, the industry in Banff & Buchan can look forward to a bright future.”