The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) has made £4.2m of funding available to help fragile fishing communities across Scotland.
Under Axis 4 of the EFF, the money will be made available to 13 local councils, which will need to co-finance the amount granted in order to make total funds available up to £7.6m.
Axis 4 supports sustainable development of fisheries areas. It also aims to improve quality of life in areas affected by a decline in fishing activities.
The funds will be available for community driven projects relating to renewable energy, training and environmental protection.
The councils involved have been invited to form Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGS) to consider applications and to decide how the money will be allocated – all FLAGS should be in operation by the spring. Councils will be inviting local groups to apply in due course.
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environmentat the Scottish Parliament, said: "I want our fragile fishing communities to become more resilient and creating new employment opportunities for local people is a key part in making this a reality. This funding can help unlock the potential of our coastal communities, ensuring that they can be successful and sustainable in the years to come."
