Scalloway harbour and UHI training boat projects awarded government funding
SIZEABLE grants for the redevelopment of a Scalloway harbour pier and for a new training boat for UHI Shetland are included in the latest round of Scottish Government marine funding.
Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has been awarded £242,250 for a project looking at the redevelopment and upgrade of Scalloway Harbour’s west pier.
The SIC previously said it recognised that a future replacement will be needed for the pier, which could also be extended, and that the current layout of the harbour area could be improved.
A spokesperson said the funding will be used to develop an outline business case for the possible future development of the west pier.
“The funding will principally meet the costs of necessary surveys and consenting works which will be required for the next stages of the project, subject to agreement by councillors,” they added.
UHI Shetland has also benefitted to the tune of £387,600 for the purchase of a new training boat.
UHI said this new hybrid vessel will be a “significant investment in the future of maritime education and skills development in Shetland”.
Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland Laura Burden said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding from Marine Fund Scotland.
“The award recognises UHI Shetland’s contribution to sustainable marine development through applied research, training and education, and partnership working.
“This investment will help us build on our expertise, strengthen collaboration with the marine sector and support the development of innovative solutions that benefit Shetland and Scotland’s blue economy.”
LHD has also been awarded nearly £250,000 for a new machine for its Lerwick ice factory.
The grant awards have come via the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland scheme for 2026/27.
Elsewhere two private individuals, described as young fishers, are listed as having been awarded £75,000 each towards the purchase of their first vessel.
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UHI Shetland has also been awarded nearly £74,000 for a project aimed at improving ling stock assessment.
A grant of nearly £50,000 has also been awarded to Shetland Mussels Ltd to buy equipment to trial new mussel growing techniques.
Some nationwide projects have received funding which will also have relevance to the local fleet, including grants for Seafish’s safety training courses, and KIMO’s fishing for litter scheme.
In total the 2026/27 funding round amounts to more than £16 million across Scotland.
Referring to the new training boat, UHI Shetland said it is designed as a low-carbon vessel with the capability for future conversion to hybrid operation.
It said the boat will provide students with access to the technologies and skills that are “increasingly shaping the maritime sector.”
“The vessel will offer a safer, more reliable and environmentally responsible platform for year-round training, supporting the delivery of industry-recognised maritime qualifications, expanded aquaculture training and increased opportunities for applied research and ecological survey work,” UHI Shetland added.
“By strengthening UHI Shetland’s ability to deliver industry-relevant education and collaborate with partners across the marine sector, the new vessel will support skilled employment, sustainable industry practices and a sustainable maritime sector.”
UHI Shetland continued by saying that the vessel will also support collaborative research involving scientists, policymakers and industry partners, helping to strengthen the evidence base for marine planning, environmental monitoring, and sustainable practices within the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
“The investment will strengthen the work of UHI Shetland’s Centre for Sustainable Seafood, expanding its capacity to deliver impactful research and support industry innovation,” it added.
“The new hybrid vessel will enhance the centre’s ability to undertake applied marine research and survey activity, enabling more frequent and higher-quality data collection on marine habitats and species that underpin Shetland’s shellfish and aquaculture sectors.
“By strengthening the evidence base for sustainable marine management and industry development, the vessel will support informed decision-making and contribute to the continued growth of Scotland’s marine economy.”
Marine and islands minister Jim Fairlie said: “Our seafood and aquaculture sectors are of vital importance to our coastal and island communities and a crucial contributor to Scotland’s economy, so it is great that this £16 million round of the Marine Fund Scotland will support projects that aim to create a total of 122 jobs.
“This fund has awarded over £86 million to 499 projects since 2021, generating more than £185 million investment.
“By backing industry, we want to play our part in increasing aquaculture production and sales by £3.5 million.
“The successful projects will improve the marine and coastal environment, provide essential data collection, training, and education, while giving people the chance to get involved in helping to preserve our incredible seas.”
Anyone looking at the Scottish Government’s spreadsheet on the funding awards may be advised to treat the projects’ locations with caution – given that the LHD grant is described as Devon-based, for instance, and the UHI Shetland training boat is listed as a Perth and Kinross project.
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