FLAG funding success for Burghead and Nairn harbour developments
Burghead and Nairn harbours are set to benefit from the latest round of funding through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG). Scottish White Fish Producers Association Burghead and Hopeman Branch will receive £20,810 towards a new fuel tank facility while Highland Council Harbours will receive £29,997 for the installation of pontoons to increase berthing space at Nairn harbour.
Hamish McPherson, Scottish White Fish Producers Association said: “At present a road fuel tanker delivers fuel to the boats once a week, this means that fishermen are at the mercy of when the tanker is available and have to arrange their working day around its delivery time, often resulting in loss of fishing time. By installing a fuel tank, Burghead harbour users will be able to re-fuel at their convenience, 24 hours a day. This will be a fantastic boost for the fishing industry in Burghead and we would like to thank the FLAG for their support with the project.”
Tony Usher, Highland Council Harbours Manager added: “Harbour usage is on the way up and this is putting high demand on available berthing space from various sectors including fishing, marine leisure and water sports activities. Through support from the FLAG we are able to install pontoons to create an additional 15 berthing spaces at Nairn harbour to address the current waiting list and relieve congestion around the harbour. Work will begin soon with the installation due to be completed by September.”
The funding has been awarded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to encourage community-led local development and enable localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).
The Highland & Moray FLAG membership is representative of local community and industry interests who will consider applications and decide how funding should be allocated locally.
Funding can be used to support a wide range of projects that will boost the marine economy and create employment opportunities in fishing communities, including but not limited to, harbour infrastructure improvements, adding value to fisheries and aquaculture products, marine resource management and marine tourism.
The fund is open to sole traders, businesses (targeted at small and medium sized enterprises), community groups, harbour authorities and third sector organisations located within Highland and Moray coastal communities.
To support the work of the FLAG a Development Officer is in place to help those wishing to apply to the fund. Sarah Lamb, Highland & Moray FLAG Development Officer said: “The two recently approved projects join fifteen others in receiving support from the FLAG enabling an investment of over £1.4 million into Highland and Moray fishing communities. There is still funding available however it is getting fairly completive as we are now nearing the end of the programme so I would encourage anyone who has a project they think will meet the funding criteria to get in touch to discuss the funding opportunities available.”
The FLAG is now inviting Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 31st August 2018 for projects to be considered at the next FLAG meeting in September. Further funding rounds will be announced in due course.
For further guidance and to obtain a copy of the Expression of Interest form please contact the EMFF Development Officer Sarah Lamb on 01955 608265 or email sarah.lamb@highland.gov.uk. Further information and a copy of the form can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk