Press Release
21st June 2012
Local fisheries group benefits from new European funding
The Fisheries Local Action Group, set up to support Shetland’s fishing community in the face of a declining industry, is to benefit from £217,879 of new European funding following a decision by the Shetland Islands Council’s Development Committee. The Committee has approved an allocation of £72,626 from its own existing budgets which will allow that external funding to be levered in to the scheme.
Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund was launched in Scotland in January 2012, to provide a total of up to £7.6 million to fishing communities affected by a decline in fishing activity.
There are 12 FLAGs across Scotland, each set up by a local authority to consider how that money can be allocated in its area. A local fisheries development strategy for Shetland has been developed, focussing on three specific issues:
- Strengthening the competitiveness of fisheries areas
- Adding value to fisheries products
- Supporting small fisheries and tourism-related infrastructure and services for the benefit of small fisheries communities
Local projects will be considered for support on a case-by-case basis, and the amount granted will depend on the activities proposed and the potential benefits to the community. Applicants will be required to provide an element of match funding.
Development Committee Chairman, Councillor Alastair Cooper, says “I’m very pleased that this bid for external funding was successful, and I’m confident that it will provide new opportunities and benefits across the community.”