The Highland Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) has been successful in securing further funds to support coastal communities under the European Fisheries Fund Axis 4 programme.

Currently, more than £200,000 is still available to assist projects which contribute to the sustainable development of fisheries areas around the Highlands.

The latest funding rounds have allowed four Highland projects to share over £350,000 from the Axis 4 pot. Successful applicants included the Kyle of Lochalsh Community Trust who secured a total of £233,004 towards the upgrade of harbour infrastructure to benefit the local fishing and tourism sectors. The provision of a new 20 berth pontoon installation with additional mooring space will allow Kyle to offer a more accessible and versatile port for marine users, while onshore the upgrading of existing services to include shower, washing and laundry facilities will provide the necessary amenities for visitors to the area and encourage longer stays.

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Elsewhere, Mallaig Harbour Authority intend to contribute to on-going plans to regenerate the Mallaig harbour area with an award of £82,471 for the development of a new shore side promenade aiming to enhance the attractiveness of the area and the accessibility of its facilities. A new walkway will link existing pavements from the village centre to the marina area, and also provide seating and viewpoint areas.

Applecross Historical Society was also successful and secured £25,571 towards interpretation of the culture and heritage aspects of fisheries communities of the Applecross peninsula, while £11,400 was awarded to Staffin Community Trust to carry out feasibility studies to consider the social and economic development potential of Staffin Slipway and its surrounding area.

Commenting on the funds, Chair of the Highland Fisheries Local Action Group, Councillor George Farlow said: "The Highland FLAG has an excellent record for delivering Axis 4 funding. But, that has always depended on support from our communities. We all therefore need to work together to ensure that this new money with appropriate co-funding will also bring forward excellent investment. The legacy we might leave will be worth the efforts required in this next phase with such tight deadlines."

To coincide with the additional funds being made available, the programme deadline has now been extended to June 2014 and any local groups or businesses wishing to seek funding are asked to submit expressions of interest for potential projects by 6 December 2013.

(JP/CD)