Stronsay project granted funding

News that the groups in Orkney and Shetland have been awarded funding through the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) has been welcomed in the isles.

The news comes as Treasury Minister, Danny Alexander, confirmed that projects across Scotland would be able to bid for a share of a further £14.4 million from the UK government’s CCF.

The fund was created to direct regeneration investment to seaside towns and villages to help rebalance their local economies, reduce unemployment and create new work opportunities for young people.

In this round of funding in Orkney, the Stronsay Community Council have received £80,000 towards renovating the Fish Mart building, to create a multi-purpose community space.

Further north, the Shetland Fisheries Training Centre Trust (SFTCT) trust were awarded £300,000 to fund research into the commercial production and use of marine seaweeds.

Commenting, Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael: “This announcement underlines the UK Government’s commitment to supporting coastal community projects across Scotland. The local projects that have received funding are prime examples of  how this scheme supports the local economies of coastal communities like our own.

“I am also delighted that Danny Alexander has announced a further £14.4m will be made available in the next round of funding. This investment will come as a real shot in the arm to communities such as ours,  and I hope that as many projects as possible will apply for the next round of funding.”