Funding for storm damaged harbours

The announcement of extra funding was made during a visit to Fraserburgh harbour by First Minister Alex Salmond and follows the previous awarding of funds to repair the damage, caused by an unusual combination of south easterly gales, low pressures and high tides described as the worst in decades.

Scotland’s fishing industry contributes £500 million to the economy annually and supports over 5,000 coastal jobs in Scotland and the contribution small harbours make to the industry are key to its day to day operation and success.

An emergency harbour repair fund announced earlier in 2013 ensured immediate work could be quickly undertaken to keep some of the harbours up and running. The additional money will help repair piers and walls and minimise further damage in the future.