Stevenson Hails Funding For Banff & Buchan Fishing Industry

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the latest round of European Fisheries Fund (EFF) grants which see several businesses in Banff & Buchan receive funding to invest in new equipment. The money will help to improve profitability in the industry and secure jobs during a difficult time for the fishing industry.

Beneficiaries in Banff & Buchan include £165,790 for Peterhead based Lunar Freezing to add a new processing area within its existing cold store; £52,348 for Fraserburgh based Prime Seafoods to purchase and install a range of equipment; £21,540 for Macduff based Deveron Shellfish and £154,743 for Banff & Buchan College to provide advanced simulation training for fishermen.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“These are difficult times for the fishing industry, but I know that this latest funding will be warmly welcomed by those who benefit from it. The industry continues to support a significant number of jobs in Banff & Buchan and the sector is worth over £1 billion annually to Scotland’s economy.

“It is essential that the industry is supported in its efforts to grow and improve profitability and I am delighted that this support is being provided.

“Particularly welcome is the funding for Banff & Buchan College to provide advanced simulation training for fishermen. This will help new people into the industry and prepare them for the difficult job that fishermen do to put fish on our plates.”