Creel support fund welcomed locally
A Scottish Creel Support Fund has been launched to help fishermen badly affected by the exceptional winter weather.
Many creel fishermen have experienced hard financial times recently, due to a combination of the extreme weather which can lead to a loss of fishing gear and a reduction in catch.
ÂŁ400,000 has been made available by the Scottish Government which will contribute towards easing financial pressures faced by many in the industry.
Over the next few days Marine Scotland will be writing to all creel fishermen to alert them to this new fund.
Fiona Matheson of the Orkney Fishermen’s Association said: “The Orkney creel sector has seen a very difficult 12 months, with a combination of late cold springs and persistent gales from west and east resulting in undue hardship to men, their businesses and their families. Many have lost or damaged gear and been unable to get to sea for many weeks.
“OFA welcome the Government’s announcement that financial help will be made available to the creel sector and are pleased that recognition of the particular stressors hardship brings to rural and isles communities is being recognised at Government level.”