Some 20 jobs are expected to be created through the creation of a new UK fish processing factory in Aberdeenshire.
Seafood Sourcing is investing GBP614,000 (US$819,969) in one of the buildings previously occupied by Young’s Seafood at Fraserburgh Harbour in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
A GBP307,000 grant from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and Scottish government will meet 50% of the costs of the new project which aims to supply European markets with Scottish whitefish.
Some GBP230,250 of that will come from the EU and GBP76,750 from the Scottish government.
Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary, Fergus Ewing, announced the funding ahead of the conclusion of the annual fisheries negotiations. He said: “This funding will transform a site that’s been vacant for some time into a fantastic new processing factory creating valuable jobs for the north east [of Scotland].
“This type of investment in our onshore sector is crucial for the growth of our seafood industry. It will enable the company to add-value to the fish landed in Scotland and target a range of new markets across the world, supporting Scotland’s ambition to double the value of the food and drink industry.”
Seafood Sourcing director Derek Hutchins said: “I am grateful to the Scottish government for approving this grant to Seafood Sourcing, which will create new jobs in Fraserburgh and provide a further opportunity for the export of quality Scottish seafood.”
