Support for seafood sector, but what about other industries?

on Wednesday March 25, Scotland's seafood sector is to receive an initial package of more than £5 million in financial support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Funding will be offered to more than 650 seafood fishing companies, many of whom have lost their livelihoods with the collapse of export and hospitality markets for Scottish delicacies like langoustine, prawns and crab.

An initial payment of 50 per cent of two months’ average earnings will be made to owners of all full-time Scottish registered fishing vessels of 12 metres length and under – the vast majority of which are in the creel and dive sectors, many of whom operate in remote and island communities. Support is also being developed for the onshore processing industry and others in the shellfish growing sector which is being affected by the loss of trade and markets.

Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said: ‘The economic impact of COVID-19 is global and is reaching into the heart of our fragile coastal communities. I have spent the past week listening to and liaising with our fishing industry and there are many who have lost their livelihoods with little prospect of an early recovery. The need for action is immediate.’

But other industries were still waiting for government help. In the tourism industry, like seafood another vital business sector in Argyll, Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive officer Marc Crothall was this week pressing for greater support for self-employed people as well as staff working in the sector.

And First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that unless construction projects are for ‘essential’ buildings such as hospitals, then sites should be closed. She added this may be reviewed if safe rules can be put in place but in the meantime they should shut as a precaution.

How is your business affected by the lockdown? Contact the Advertiser using the editor@argyllshireadvertiser.co.uk email address.