Fishing and seafood industry groups across Scotland are set to benefit from £11.4 million of European funding to help deliver economic growth, said Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

This funding is part of the first round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and will support 65 projects across Scotland, enabling investment of up to £48 million in sea fisheries, aquaculture and processing industries.

Those to benfit from the funding include Shetland Mussels Ltd, Seafish Industry Authority, University of the Highlands & Islands, Isle of Mull Oysters Ltd, Highland Council Harbours, Fisheries Innovation Scotland Ltd and Cromarty Mussels Ltd.

A full list of projects receiving funding is available here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies/awards/Initiatives

“EU funding is a lifeline to many of our fragile coastal communities and helps to create and sustain jobs in the fishing sector,” said Ewing.

“This funding package will provide crucial support for fishermen, sustainable aquaculture, the processing sector and the communities and jobs which depend on them.

“It will also benefit our renowned seafood by helping to promote Scottish produce on the world stage to premium markets.

“This is particularly important given the uncertainty created by Brexit, and we need assurances from the UK Government that EMFF funding will be guaranteed for commitments running to 2020.

“In the absence of clarity from the UK Government, I will do all that I can to provide certainty and reassurance to the industry and get on with the day to day business of government.”