Delivering Scotland’s ‘Blue Economy Vision’
Applications are open for the fifth year of the Marine Fund Scotland, which will allocate £14 million in 2025-26 to advance Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision. This funding aims to transform the use of marine resources and promote sustainable projects that benefit coastal communities while supporting the goal of net zero emissions. Last year, 67 projects received grants, ranging from under £1,000 to £1.6 million, including initiatives to modernize seafood processing and recycle fishing nets.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon, highlighted that since 2021, the fund has distributed over £55 million to 330 projects, fostering significant investment and job creation along Scotland’s coastline. She encouraged those with innovative ideas for marine industries to apply, emphasizing the importance of the marine economy to rural and coastal communities. Gougeon also called on the UK government to ensure Scotland receives a fair share of the recently announced £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund to avoid duplication of funding efforts.
Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, noted that the Marine Fund has been crucial for maintaining and expanding markets for Scottish seafood. The funding has also supported educational initiatives to promote seafood consumption and address labor shortages in the industry. For more details on eligibility and application processes, visit the Scottish government’s website.
