Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement of a further £9.3 million package for the Scottish fishing industry under the European Fisheries Fund. This takes the total level of funding from the fund over £25 million for 2009 and sees significant funding for fishing and processing businesses in Banff & Buchan.
The funding includes £381,953 for Mapco Ltd in Peterhead towards refurbishing their processing building and installing fish drying, refrigeration and packaging equipment and £73,256 for Fraserburgh Freezing & Cold Storage Ltd towards purchasing and installing a blast freezer. The funding also contains assistance for young skippers to buy a share of their vessels.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“It has been a difficult time for many in Banff & Buchan’s fishing and fish processing industries recently with the economic climate and tough fishing restrictions combining to damaging effect.
“However, I welcome this latest round of investment that takes the total for the year to more than £25 million. It is clear evidence of the importance that the SNP Government attaches to our fishing industry and our determination to support it through the difficult times.
“Encouraging more young skippers into the industry, and helping to fund measures to maximise the profitability of all those involved, are steps that will help secure the future of the industry.
“This kind of support is vital to the industry and will be welcome news to many people.”
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
