Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has
described the fact that fishing communities in the North East will
benefit from a £2,155,382 fund to improve the quality of life and boost
economic diversification as “hugely significant”
for Banffshire & Buchan Coast.
The funding through Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is
expected to open to funding applications in early spring this year.
Eligible councils have previously been asked to establish Fisheries
Local Access Groups (FLAGs) which will consider applications
and decide how the funding will be allocated locally. If the full
allocation of EFF money is co-funded by local authorities, there will be
a total of £7.6 million available to fishing communities across
Scotland.
Axis 4 of the EFF supports the sustainable development of fisheries
areas. It includes measures to promote economic diversification in
areas such as tourism and leisure, food and renewable energy that
exploits local resources. It also aims to improve
the quality of life in areas affected by the decline in fishing
activities, such as small scale infrastructural projects, environmental
protection and training and capacity building for local communities.
Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:
“I am delighted that swift progress
is being made towards allocating this funding and it is particularly
welcome news that fishing communities in the Aberdeenshire council area
will potentially be able to access such a significant
sum; more than in any other eligible local authority.
“Given the importance of the fishing
industry to the area, this is a hugely significant development for
Banffshire & Buchan Coast.
“Even relatively modest sums can help
make real improvements to the quality of life in fishing communities
and I am looking forward to seeing the projects that successfully secure
funding in the near future.”