More funding to help fishing industry survive
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled fresh measures to help kick-start Scotland’s shellshocked economy as firms struggle to survive during the coronavirus lockdown.
A new economic advisory group has been established to “navigate” the way forward and rebuild the economy along “fairer and greener” lines.
Ms Sturgeon yesterday announced a multi-millionpound funding package for the fishing industry amid fears that coastal areas are being ravaged by the shutdown.
More than 18,000 firms has so far benefited from more than £200 million of assistance, she said. “It’s clear that the market for fish and shellfish has effectively collapsed,” she said. “That is having a very serious and immediate impact on many of our coastal and island communities.”
She added: “We are allocating a further £3.5m for fishing vessels of over 12 metres.
“That means in total more than 1,000 businesses will now be eligible for support and it brings our overall package of support to the seafood, fishing and aquaculture sectors to nearly £23m.”
The First Minister said emergency support would help deal with the immediate impact of the virus on the economy.
The task of “rebuilding” the economy on the other side of the lockdown was also now in the sights of ministers.
“None of should be under any illusions about the scale of that task – this is an unprecedented situation,” she said.
“We do want to start the work now to make sure that we are able to navigate the best way possible forward.
“That’s why we’re announcing the establishment of an economic recovery advisory group. Its role will be to advise government on actions to support economic recovery. Crucially, it will consider how these actions will contribute to our aim of building a fairer and more greener and more equal society as well.”
The group will include senior industry figures and economic experts.
The First Minister added: “I do believe its establishment will be an important step in preparing Scotland for the challenges that lie ahead.”
The Scottish Government has already awarded more than 18,000 grants to firms, with £215m paid out, as part of an expanded business support scheme worth £1.3 billion.
Economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We want Scotland to recover as quickly as possible from this outbreak. Rapidly rebuilding a resilient economy in a way that supports Scotland’s wellbeing and transition toward a greener, net zero country will be vital.”
Initial proposals are expected from the group by the end of June.
During the same briefing, health secretary Jeane Freeman also outlined further support for care homes during the outbreak.
She said that from this weekend, PPE from the national stockpile will be delivered directly to care homes.
Ms Freeman also said the Scottish Government would ensure guidance against communal gathering in care homes is being followed in every facility, adding: “Where there are particular problems in doing that, perhaps in the case of residents who have severe dementia, then we can provide additional guidance and support.”