Karen Adam MSP welcomes almost £3.9 million Marine Fund Scotland investment in Banffshire & Buchan Coast

Banffshire and Buchan Coast will benefit from the latest round of Marine Fund Scotland awards, as part of the Scottish Government’s £14 million investment in Scotland’s marine sectors.

This year, ten locally based projects across Banffshire and Buchan Coast will receive support totalling £3,873,215.68, helping to safeguard jobs, strengthen local businesses and support the long-term future of the region’s marine industries. The funding will be felt in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Rosehearty and Portsoy – from major fishing ports to smaller harbours where the sea still plays an important role in local life and the wider economy.

The investment will support improvements in harbour infrastructure, modernise local seafood processing, help new entrants into the fishing industry and enable coastal businesses to become more resilient and energy efficient.

Welcoming the investment, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam said:

“This is very welcome news for our coastal communities.

Nearly £3.9 million going into ten local projects is a significant boost for Banffshire and Buchan Coast. It means better harbours, support for our seafood businesses and practical help for people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods.

This funding will help local firms upgrade equipment, cut energy costs and bring new people into the industry. It’s good news for workers, families and businesses right across the constituency.”

She continued:

“People in Banffshire and Buchan Coast know how important our fishing and wider marine sectors are – not just to this area, but to Scotland as a whole.

The UK Government still hasn’t fully replaced the EU funding that used to support this work, and many in the industry feel that promises have not been kept. In contrast, the Scottish Government is using Marine Fund Scotland to work with industry, councils and communities to invest in the future.

I’ll keep making the case to ensure our area continues to get its fair share of support.”

Since 2021, Marine Fund Scotland has provided more than £70 million in grants to 390 projects nationwide, unlocking over £150 million of wider investment across Scotland’s coastline.

Announcing the latest awards, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Scotland’s marine economy is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities.

I am pleased to announce these grant awards which will continue to support projects showcasing key innovation and development in our marine industries and coastal communities.”