Scotland fisheries receive US$27.3 million fund boost

Scotland's fisheries sector has received a boost with the announcement of GBP17 million (US$27.3 million) funding for projects across the country.

According to media reports, seventeen projects will share the funding as part of the latest round of European Fisheries Fund (EFF) grants.

It is reported that the largest share will go to Thistle Seafoods Ltd in Peterhead, which is set to benefit from GBP1.3 million towards a factory extension to meet traceability requirements of its retail customers and minimise waste packing.

Shetland is to receive over GBP860,000, the Outer Hebrides almost GBP400,000 and the Highlands and Moray over GBP280,000.

It is thought the investment will create 48 new jobs and safeguard 300 more in Scotland's fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors.

It brings the total level of EFF investment for the Scottish industry for 2009 to more than GBP17 million.

US$1 = GBP0.621 (July 8)