Dave Thompson MSP

North MSP Dave Thompson has welcomed the award of more than £1 million in grants for some of the best food and drink producers within the Highlands and Islands.

Mr Thompson said the funds announced on Thursday at the Royal Highland Show by Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead highlighted the high standard of this important sector in the north of Scotland.

“It is well known that the natural produce of the Highlands and Islands, coupled with the imagination and skilled preparation of committed businesses, are an asset to the whole of Scotland,” Mr Thompson said.

“With these awards the minister has recognised that sometimes a helping hand is needed to ensure all are able to share in the enjoyment of such fine produce.

“It is very encouraging to hear that nine firms from the Highlands and Island have been awarded a total of more than £1 million to enable the development of their businesses,” Mr Thompson said.

“From Shetland to Oban, these firms are enhancing the image and reputation of the Highlands and Islands as well as providing employment in often remote communities and this extra funding will allow them to increase production without damaging quality.

“In turn this will help to maintain or raise prices paid for animals reared by crofters and fish landed in the north of Scotland.

Note:

The extra funding was announced under the Food Processing, Marketing and Co-Operative (FPMC) Grants Scheme.

Highlands and Islands firms to receive funding:

• Speyfruit Ltd, Elgin, Moray                     £184,400
  
• Forteith Food Services, Oban, Argyll             £251,618
  
• Organic Potato Growers (Scotland) Ltd, Inverness         £171,874
  
• Macleans Bakery Benbecula Ltd, Western Isles    £94,498
  
• Highland Fine Cheeses, Tain, Inverness-shire    £150,046
  
• Shetland Cheese, Skeld, Shetland Islands   £13,872
  
• Orkney Creamery, Kirkwall, Orkney               £60,301
  
• Simpson (Buckie), Buckie, Morayshire            £122,909
  
• Crantit Dairy, Kirkwall, Orkney         £4,950

The grants were part of more than £4 million distributed to food and drink producers throughout Scotland by the minister.