Little EU cash for fisheries

JUST four local fisheries companies have been successful in securing a share in the latest round of funding from the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

On Wednesday, the Scottish Government announced a total of more than £4.8 million to be shared among 43 companies across the country, with just over £14,000 being allocated to projects in Shetland.

They are:

• £725.83 for the purchase of lifesaving equipment on board the small fishing boat Lily May LK420;
• £1,199.99 towards safety equipment on the shellfish boat Sadie Joan LK987;
• £6,467.00 to help with the development of a cold store facility for Scott Shellfish Limited, and
• £5,306.53 towards a new engine a workboat operated by Sandsound Mussels.

Shetland has usually fared rather well in the allocation of these funds and it is known that applications for sizeable funding towards a new fish market at Scalloway and rebuilding Toft Pier are being prepared by Shetland Islands Council.