​Over £600,000 funding still available for marine projects in Moray &Highland

Businesses and organisations can apply for cash to boost the local economy and create jobs within the fishing and marine sectors.

The funding is available through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) as part of the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund. Projects that are eligible would be in aquaculture, maritime -based tourism and seafood sectors.

A total of £338,000 has already been committed toward a range of projects. Among seven applications approved to date include 58°N Scottish Seaweed to research the viability of growing seaweed for commercial use, Bells Seafood to invest in a freezing and blast freezing facility at Scrabster harbour, and other marine infrastructure improvements and small business grants.

The cash is designed to support projects that encourage community-led local development and localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

Open to sole traders, SMEs, community groups, harbour authorities and Fishermen’s Associations located within Moray and Highland coastal communities.

More information is available from Sarah Lamb, Highland & Moray FLAG Development Officer on 01955 609560 or email sarah.lamb@highland.gov.uk. Further information and a copy of the form can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.