Kate Forbes MSP pictured with Skye fisherman Ian Urquhart.
Kate Forbes MSP has welcomed confirmation that the Scottish Government has started issuing payments from its emergency £5 million support fund to fishermen.
With the collapse of the export and hospitality markets for delicacies such as langoustine, prawns and crab, the scheme is giving an initial payment to owners of all full-time Scottish-registered fishing vessels of 12 metres length and under.
It is thought the vast majority of these will be in the creel and dive sectors, many of whom operate in remote and island communities – such as in Ms Forbes’ Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency.
Kate Forbes MSP said:
“Our fishermen have been particularly hard hit, as the impact on their markets happened well before the lockdown in Scotland.
“It is important that they are given a helping hand, and I’m pleased that the first payments will soon be made to fishermen on the West Coast who are struggling.
“Our seafood is renowned internationally and the markets will return, but it is important that we help fishermen through the next few weeks.
“These grants will do that.”
