Coastal groups urged to net huge funding

Businesses and community groups along the Highlands and Moray coastlines have been urged to apply for more than £600,000 in funding available for marine projects.

The cash is aimed at boosting the economy of the neighbouring regions by creating fresh jobs within the fishing and marine sectors.

The money is available through the Highland and Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (Flag) as part of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

And yesterday, organisers revealed the details of a series of grants – totalling £338,000 – they have already awarded in an effort to reel in more applications. The 58°N Scottish Seaweed research group, at Ullapool, was given more than £4,300 to assess the viability of growing seaweed for commercial use.

Scrabster-based Bells Seafood was awarded £12,335 to invest in a freezing and blast-freezing facility.

Isle of Ewe Boats received almost £12,300 to help build and repair larger vessels

The Cromarty Harbour Trust received almost £100,000 to modernise the port.

So far, the funding body has only received one application from Moray – a request for £100,000 to increase the berthing space at Lossiemouth Marina, which was granted.

The fund is open to sole traders, community groups, harbour authorities, Fishermen’s Associations and businesses – particularly small and mediumsized enterprises.

For more information, people should contact Sarah Lamb on 01955 609560 or email sarah.lamb@ highland.gov.uk. Application forms can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk