Highland Fishing Communities Urged To Land Euro Funds

17th September 2012

Highland fishing communities are being urged to apply for assistance from a new Euro fund for projects that make a difference in their communities, such as those relating to tourism, business diversification and training.

The Highland Council is contributing £137,348 towards the £549,392 that is available for award before the end of 2013 from Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund.

In agreement with Marine Scotland, The Highland Council has created a Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to deliver the Highland portion of available Axis 4 funding. The FLAG will consider applications and decide how funding will be allocated locally.

In line with this responsibility, the FLAG is now inviting local groups and businesses to submit expressions of interest in the scheme by Friday 12th October 2012. A further round will be announced in due course. The fund runs until 31st December 2013.

Councillor Thomas Prag, Chair of the Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee, said: "The social and economic factors affecting fishing communities in the Highlands are, of course, closely tied to the fortunes of the fishing industry. So it's really important that we help these communities to diversify and prosper. A wide range of projects are eligible to apply, such things as delivering skills training for local people, value adding to fishery products, tourism opportunities and all kinds of collaborative ideas.

"I hope that this funding can help unlock the potential of coastal communities in the Highlands to be successful and sustainable in the years to come. I know there are some good ideas out there, so let's get in as many expressions of interest as we can."

Those interested in the Axis 4 fund and who wish to submit an expression of interest are invited to visit The Highland Council website. For copies of the Expressions of Interest forms and guidance contact the Council Planning and Development Service on 01463 - 702250 or via the following e-mail address: planning[AT]highland.gov.uk

Background to the Axis 4 fund
£4.2 million of funding has been accessed by the Scottish Government under Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund. To access the funds, local authorities are required to provide additional funding (on a 25/75 basis for Highlands and Islands and a 50/50 basis for rest of Scotland). If the full £4.2 million available is allocated, this will bring the total to £7.57 million.

The EFF funding is divided into two main allocations - £1.3m for councils in Highlands & Islands (Shetland, Orkney, Highland, Western Isles and Argyll & Bute) and £2.9m for the rest of Scotland (Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, East Lothian, Dumfries & Galloway, and Moray).

AREA - EFF FUNDS AVAILABLE - COUNCIL CONTRIBUTION - TOTAL

Aberdeenshire - £1,077,691- £1,077,691 - £2,155,382
Angus - £85,613 - £85,613 - £171,227
Argyll & Bute - £256,416 - £85,472 - £341,888
Dumfries & Galloway - £579,577 - £579,577 - £1,159,153
East Lothian - £85,613 - £85,613 - £171,227
Fife - £85,613 - £85,613 - £171,227
Highland - £412,044 - £137,348 - £549,392
Moray - £185,236 - £185,236 - £370,472
Orkney Islands - £99,306 - £33,102 - £132,407
Scottish Borders - £361,652 - £361,652 - £723,303
Shetland Isles - £217,879 - £72,626 - £290,506
South Ayrshire - £133,349 - £133,349 - £266,699
Western Isles - £232,701 - £77,567 - £310,268

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, 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.

More information can be found on the Scottish Government website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies/communities