A funding programme targeted at Aberdeenshire’s coastal communities has delivered £2.1million of projects and created 27 jobs.
This month, the 2012-2015 Aberdeenshire European Fisheries Fund (AEFF) scheme officially closed – and it has since been hailed as a
“lasting legacy” for the region.
Financed by the European Commission, the programme was administered locally by the Aberdeenshire Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) partnership, in which Aberdeenshire Council is the lead partner.
Applicants were awarded more than £650,000 in grants, helping deliver £2.1million of projects which created training and job opportunities and “revitalised” fisheries areas.
Two new businesses and 27 full time jobs were created, and projects include the conversion of an unused fisheries building at Whitehills Marina into a high quality seafood restaurant.
The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival organisation also successfully restored a derelict building at Portsoy Harbour into a Boatshed, while Macduff Shipyards, Macduff’s largest employer, was able install a new boat launching ramp way.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Economic Development and FLAG chairwoman, Belinda Miller, said: “The projects approved during the AEFF programme will provide a lasting legacy in Aberdeenshire’s fisheries areas.
“AEFF has delivered a wide range of projects that collectively improve people’s lives and businesses in the area through the provision of regeneration, diversification and capacity building.
“The fund has provided real opportunities for economic and social prosperity in coastal communities through the creation of jobs, new businesses and training provided.
“My thanks go to all those public sector bodies that provided the co-finance to match the Axis Four grants, as well as the AEFF team who administered the programme.”