Scotland's fisheries sectors received a major boost today with the announcement of £3million in fisheries grants.
The new investment will create 48 new jobs and safeguard 300 more in Scotland's fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors.
The funding – which comes from the latest round of European Fisheries Fund grants brings the total level of EFF investment for the Scottish industry for 2009 to more than £17million.
Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead made the announcement today on a visit to the Orkney Fishermen's Society, which recently received £55,000 through the EFF to upgrade its premises and meet increased market demand for brown crabs and lobsters.
The factory at Stromness is now the largest processor of brown crabs in the UK.
Mr Lochhead said: "Today's investment is a timely boost for our fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors, which together are worth over £1billion to the Scottish economy.
"The high level of applications being received is further evidence that Scotland is rising to the challenge when it comes to developing innovative solutions and making our fleets more sustainable.”
