LOSSIEMOUTH HARBOUR HAS secured funding through the Highland and Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) funding initiative.
Both the Moray harbour and Scrabster in Caithness are to have new pontoons installed to cater for increased demand for berthing space.
Lossiemouth has already received funding towards an innovating dredging system that will allow regular dredging to be carried out – ensuring that the pontoons will be accessible at all times.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Elgin and Lossiemouth Harbour Company, Marina Manager Amanda Chisholm said: “The Company is delighted to receive the support from Highland and Moray FLAG. The East basin pontoon development will allow Lossiemouth Marina to accommodate the ever-increasing demand for visitors and customers alike.
“The new in-house dredging equipment will enable continuous dredging operations within the marina ensuring ease of access and securing the future sustainability and viability of the harbour. We would also like to thank Highlands & Islands Enterprise who provided match funding for the project.”
The funding has been awarded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to encourage community-led local development and enable localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).
The Highland & Moray FLAG membership is representative of local community and industry interests who will consider applications and decide how funding should be allocated locally. Funding can be used to support a wide range of projects that will support community rejuvenation, enterprise, innovation, job creation and skills enhancement across the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries.
The fund is open to sole traders, businesses (targeted at small and medium sized enterprises), community groups, and third sector organisations located within Highland and Moray coastal communities.
FLAG is now inviting Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 1st September 2017 for projects to be considered at the next FLAG meeting in October. Further funding rounds will be announced in due course.
For further guidance and to obtain a copy of the Expressions of Interest form contact the EMFF Development Officer Sarah Lamb on 01955 609560 or email sarah.lamb@highland.gov.uk.
Further information and a copy of the form can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk