Scottish fisheries have been awarded nearly £11million in European funding, it has been confirmed.
A total of 144 companies are to share the £10.9million grant from the European Fisheries Fund.
The Scottish Government said the funding could protect and create about 3,500 jobs in the fishing industry.
Scottish Fisheries minister Richard Lochhead MSP SNP, said the cash would help the industry invest in new equipment, increase production and bolster employment.
He said ” Our fishing, processing and aquaclture sectors are worth more than £1 million to our ecomony, and in these difficult times, it is esstential that we ensure they have a sustainable and profitable future”.
Beneficiaries of the grant include Hjaltland Hatcheries, which were given £1.07 million towards the cost of upgrading its salmon farm on Shetland.
Lighthouse Caledonia were awarded £756.000 to help build and equip a new processing facility at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
While the Peterhead-based MV Atlantic Challenge was given £137, 800 to upgrade its vessel (Atlantic Challenge).
Dee Fish in the south west of Scotland also got a grant of £339,200 to help develop its shellfish processing plant.
