Projects aimed at supporting Scotland's marine economy will
benefit from £16 million of investment through the Marine Fund
Scotland.
Now open for applications, the funding will invest in the marine
environment and vital sectors such as fishing and processing,
protecting and supporting long-term sustainability and jobs in
coastal and island communities.
Last year, 60 projects received funding with grants ranging from
around £2,000 up to £1.7 million.
Previously successful projects include:
- support for young fishers to purchase their first fishing
vessels
- harbour improvements and the creation
of additional fish processing capacity
- support for fishers to develop their businesses and provide
improved safety training for fishermen
- innovative processing factory upgrades to reduce energy
use and reduce waste
Rural Affairs Secretary announced that the expanded
fund is now open for applications during a visit to Dunbar
harbour, the harbour previously benefitted from a grant to
improve on site safety.
She said: “Since 2021, the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more
than £69 million in grants to 390 projects,
facilitating a total of £121 million of
investment and supporting jobs and communities throughout
the country. I urge anyone with a project designed to help marine
industries to evolve and flourish to apply.
“It was really valuable to hear first-hand from local fishers
about the challenges they face, the pressures on inshore fishing
businesses, and their passion and commitment for a sustainable
future for the industry.
“We are continuing to back Scotland's marine economy, which is
crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of
our rural, coastal and island communities.
“We want to invest more in our fishing and coastal communities,
unfortunately the unjust decision of the UK Government to
allocate a derisory 7.78% of the £360 million Fishing and
Coastal Growth Fund to Scotland has directly impacted support
budgets.
"When part of the EU, Scotland received 46% of the UK's
allocation of fisheries and marine funding in recognition of our
significant marine area and industries. That is why I am
continuing to call for urgent action to revisit this decision.
“Together with Scottish fishing industry leaders we have, and
will continue to demand, urgent action from a UK Government which
doesn't appear to understand or indeed care about Scotland's
fishing and coastal communities.”
Background
Information on eligibility
and how to apply to the Marine Fund Scotland in 2026-27
Blue Economy
Vision
