Four Aberdeenshire European Fisheries Fund (AEFF) projects have received more than £255,000 to boost sustainable development.

The AEFF, which launched in early 2012, awards grants to fisheries-related projects that demonstrate innovation, increase community capacity and improve economic output within Aberdeenshire's fishing communities.

The fund is financed by the European Commission and administered locally by the Aberdeenshire Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) partnership, of which the local authority is the lead partner.

In this, the sixth round of funding, four projects were approved.

They include a project to increase efficiency at Macduff Shipyards, by constructing a new boat launching ramp to allow larger steel and aluminium vessels to be launched directly into the harbour.

An Aberdeenshire Council-led project was also approved which will benefit inshore fishermen in the Banff area through the provision of a one-tonne ice machine. There is currently no local option for local fishermen to obtain ice easily and conveniently. It is hoped the project will add value to fisheries products by increasing freshness and quality, while also helping to support the local fishing communities of Banff, Macduff, Gardenstown and Portsoy.

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Elsewhere, the Scottish Natural Heritage will benefit from enhanced tourist and community facilities through the creation of a new visitor facility at the Ythan Estuary in Forvie. The project will see a sheltered interpretive education hub designed and constructed that will accommodate 30 people at Forvie Nature Reserve.

Lastly, the North East Scotland Preservation Trust was successful in its bid to restore the "Back Green" buildings in the traditional fisheries area of Portsoy and convert them into four-star bunkhouse accommodation for tourists.

Aberdeenshire Council's Head of Economic Development and FLAG Chair, Belinda Miller, said: "The projects approved in round six of the AEFF programme demonstrate there is great ability and capacity across the region to develop innovative, exciting industry projects that will continue to support Aberdeenshire's fishing sector.

"The projects will also help promote Aberdeenshire as a tourist destination and help showcase its rich fishing and coastal heritage through the development of improved visitor attractions and accommodation."

Fisheries Project Officer, David-John McRobbie, added: "So far seventeen projects have been approved by the AEFF programme since its launch over a year ago; it is clear to see the benefits this fund brings as projects get underway and complete."

There is only one round of funding left before the AEFF programme stops at the end of the year.

The application deadline is October 18.

Details of how to apply are available at: www.aeff.co.uk.

(JP/IT)