The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has welcomed the financial commitment given by the Scottish Government to help the fishing industry adapt to the new era of permanently high fuel prices.
The funding, which was announced today by fisheries minister Richard Lochhead at a meeting of the Fuel Task Force in Aberdeen, will help support a three year plan of action to ensure a sustainable and profitable fishing industry.
Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: “The industry could only move forward with a practical action plan if financial commitment from the Scottish Government was forthcoming.
“We now have that commitment, which will provide the catalyst for the industry to develop measures that will help ensure it has a viable future. We welcome this support and the recognition given to the very special circumstances of the fishing industry.
“It would come as no surprise to state that we would have wished for more support. However, the commitment given today will enable the development of plans to tackle overall operating costs, as well as take a serious look at fuel efficiency and improving the quayside price of Scottish fish.”
