We are delighted to have the support of the UK Government to bring a community boatshed to the Isle. DEFRA’s UK Seafood Recreational Sea Fishing Infrastructure Round 4 funding of £100,000 is an incredible boost to our drive to reach just shy of £700,000 to meet the ever increasing costs of building our shed.
We hope the shed will provide a great space from which to organise local fishing competitions, and provide the perfect place for local leisure anglers to complete minor repairs to their craft under cover. Thankyou to Dougie, Darren, James and Barry for providing us with photos that show just how amazing the fishing is in our waters.
Our Buy a Brick campaign is really important to us, to enable people to commemorate a loved one, or promote for ever a charitable cause by buying space on the inside or the outside of your boatshed. Every penny raised counts! Have a look at our new Community Boatshed page to be kept up to date with progress.
DEFRA announced the funding award on 17th October 2023.
The UK Government press release announced more than £3.2 million funding from the UK Seafood Fund to three Scottish projects.
The projects were:
Scottish White Fish Producers Association – Scottish seafood centre of excellence (Fraserburgh). £3m. To create a high-quality industry facility with purpose-built classrooms, areas for technical training, and technology demonstration spaces. It will support blended training delivery (online and in-person) resulting in trainees located around the country to be connected to the centre.
University of the Highlands and Islands (Shetland) – upgrade the maritime bridge simulator at the institution’s Scalloway campus. £138,411.00. To facilitate onboard training for entrants and experienced seafarers in a safe environment, improving the efficiency and sustainability of key maritime industries.
Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club (Isle of Whithorn) – to build a boatshed. £100,000. For leisure anglers to maintain and repair craft, as well as provide access to showers, toilets, and changing facilities. The space will also be used to carry out boat building and store sub aqua and coastal rowing kit