With support from a £3 million funding package from Bank of Scotland, Lerwick Port Authority is developing a new white fish market at Lerwick Harbour with sustainability at its core.
The facility will more than double existing capacity at Shetland's principal seaport, extending to a 1,600m2 market using green technology and sustainable building materials.
Captain Calum Grains, chief executive of Lerwick Port Authority, said, “The improved efficiency and increased capacity of the new market completes a phase of developments to create a modern fit-for-purpose hub for the fishing industry at Mair’s Quay.
“Bank of Scotland has been by our side for more than 100 years. Thanks to its support, we are able to grow our business sustainably and efficiently, while reducing environmental impact.”
Set to be completed in early 2020, the authority estimates that these measures will deliver a 44-50% reduction in energy consumption, when compared to the usage of its current fish market.
Finance for the fish market has come from Bank of Scotland’s £2bn Clean Growth Finance Initiative. The initiative offers discounted funding to help businesses lower their carbon emissions, financing energy efficiency improvements and large-scale renewable energy projects.
The £7.6m market is also being backed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. It is expected that the new fish market will create additional jobs in the local area, both directly and indirectly.
