The star of hit TV show Trawlermen is appealing for north-east fishing businesses to apply for their share of over £1million in EU and Scottish Government funding.
Peterhead’s Jimmy Buchan, skipper of the Amity, announced the money ahead of a meeting next month to launch the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group (Nesflag), which will allocate the funds.
Nesflag has been given control of £1.437million to support the diversification of fisheries, job creation and promotion, and international and national co-operation.
Mr Buchan said: “I’m very pleased that we are able to announce the launch of the Nesflag programme which will provide much-needed support to local fishing communities and businesses.
“These EU and Scottish Government funds will help deliver a wide range of projects to sustain and diversify the fishing industry and coastal communities across Aberdeenshire and Angus”.
Mr Buchan became a local celebrity through his appearances in the BBC series, which followed the everyday life of skippers and their crews in the North Sea.
He subsequently contested the Banff and Buchan constituency as a Conservative, losing to the SNP’s Eilidh Whiteford.
Linda Hope, co-chairwoman of Nesflag and manager of the Scottish Maritime Academy, said suggestions about what the money should be spent on were already being made to group.
She added: “The launch will be an opportunity for organisations to find out more about the type of activities which can receive funding and how to apply for a grant.
“The allocation of £1.437million is fantastic news and we hope that our programme will leave a long-lasting legacy for the north-east of Scotland.”
The launch event, at the Maritime Academy on South Road, will take place at 2pm on March 7.