Grant aid totalling £1.5 million has been allocated to five coastal projects in Dumfries and Galloway. The funding, from the Marine Scotland Fund, will support marine organisations, coastal communities, and seafood businesses in the region as they work towards more sustainable practices in line with Scotland’s Blue Economy vision.
First Minister John Swinney announced that a total of £14 million will be shared among 67 projects across Scotland in this latest round of funding. The projects in Dumfries and Galloway aim to drive innovation, promote sustainability, and contribute to the local economy and environmental protection efforts.
One of the recipients, Solway Firth Partnership, has been granted £58,905 for their Solway Shore Action project. This initiative focuses on organising volunteer beach cleans, influencing waste management practices, improving marine debris recycling, and repurposing fishing-related plastics. The project is currently showcased at The Stove in Dumfries and WWT Caerlaverock, featuring artistic works by Linda Mallett.
Northbay Innovation Ltd has received a grant of £57,544 towards a project in collaboration with Dumfries and Galloway and Perth and Kinross. This venture aims to develop a prototype modular hatchery for the native oyster (ostrea edulis). Meanwhile, Dundas Chemical Company (Mosspark Ltd) in Dumfries has been granted £993,920 for salmon waste recycling equipment, part of a larger scheme costing almost £4 million.
The River Annan District Salmon Fisheries Board has secured a full grant of £78,841 for the Solway to Source River Annan and coastal litter clean project. Additionally, Aquagen Scotland Ltd, based in Dumfries and Galloway, has received £307,980 towards a £615,960 project for a recirculation system at Holywood.
These projects represent a significant investment in the sustainable development of Dumfries and Galloway’s coastal areas, supporting both the local economy and the protection of marine ecosystems. The initiatives funded by the Marine Scotland Fund aim to pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and economically viable future for the region.