New fishermen have been able apply for funding towards second hand fishing vessels.
The ‘new entrants scheme’ from the Scottish Government is part of a drive to encourage new fishermen under the age of 40 into the industry enabling them to apply for up to 75% of the cost of buying a second-hand vessel of up to 16 metre, or up to 50% of the cost of a vessel from 16-24 metre.
Daniel Watson, 26, of Integrity Shellfish, was one of the fishermen to benefit from a £50,000 grant from the £14 million Marine Fund Scotland.
“I am grateful for the support from the Scottish Government, which has helped me take the next step with my business and expand our fishing operation in Scotland,” Mr Watson said. “Without this funding, I quite simply would not have a boat of this size to support our aspirations.”
Mr Watson has been fishing for five years and used the grant to purchase his own vessel. Daniel fishes for brown crab, velvet crab, prawns and lobster from Ullapool and will be working his way down towards Mallaig, fishing and selling the catch on the way.
Job security
The other awards were made to John Anderson, 26 and Steven Mair, 32, who both purchased a third share in a 18m trawler, with the other third purchased by LHD fishing agents in Shetland.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It’s fantastic to see this funding helping to attract young talent to a sector which has struggled in the past due to perceived lack of career progression opportunities.”
“These new entrants are crucial to boosting the resilience of the industry which supports jobs in some of our most rural communities.”
Further information on eligibility for the young fishers scheme can be found on page 10 of the Marine Fund Scotland general guidance on the Scottish Government website.
