Fisheries

An upcoming Scottish Rural Action conference will kick start a 'rural movement' to make rural Scotland's voice heard.

Representatives from rural Scotland's communities, businesses and organisations are invited to attend the free event taking place from 26 to 27 February at New Lanark Visitor Centre, the renowned world heritage site.

The first ever National Islands Plan for Scotland has been laid before the Scottish Parliament for consideration.

The proposed National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for Scotland's island communities.

Sea fisheries and processing businesses are among those to share more than £5.6 million of funding from the eighth round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

The funding awards include £1.3 million for Seafood Scotland to help it maximise key export markets and £1.35 million for J K Thomson in Musselburgh to support the construction of a new processing factory.

Announcing the latest award, Rural Minister Mairi Gougeon said:

If you're interested in the bioeconomy you can find a wealth of information on the European Network for Rural Development's (ENRD) Rural Bioeconomy Portal. ​

The Moray Growth Deal will see £65 million invested in creating high-value jobs, strengthening local communities and safeguarding the future of the local economy.

The Scottish Government will invest up to £32.5 million in Moray over 10 to 15 years to drive inclusive economic growth across the region, with the UK Government matching the funding over a 15 year period.

Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing has launched a national discussion paper setting out the Scottish Government’s vision for the future of fisheries. 

Mr Ewing is meeting with representatives from the local fishing community in Kirkwall, Orkney, on Monday in the first of a series of similar meetings across Scotland, which will allow individuals, businesses and communities involved in fishing to have their say in what a new strategy for fisheries management should look like.

Key priorities include

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has launched a new way for businesses to help secure the future of western Scotland’s whales and dolphins, and to protect the Hebrides’ globally important marine environment, with its first partner of this kind being Dunoon-based The Majestic Line.