Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the news that round two of the Coastal Communities Fund will make £2.4 million available for projects in the Highlands and Islands.

Projects which support the Fund’s goal of job creation and securing existing jobs are being encouraged to apply for funding ahead of the deadline on the 26th April.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I welcome the opening of round two of the Coastal Communities Fund, and I would encourage as many projects as possible to apply for funding.

Applications are particularly welcomed from:

• from small and medium size coastal communities, with a population of around 60,000 or less, facing economic challenges
• for projects which help deliver Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund in Scotland
• that promote sustainable economic growth and jobs in tourism, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Adding to this, Dave said: “In round one there were almost 300 applications, and only 19 projects could be supported, so I am glad that more funding is now available in round two.

“The focus on projects which secure jobs will mean that coastal communities in the highlands and islands will gain economic benefits through the support of these projects, and I look forward to welcoming those successful applications later in the year.

Note:

Year 2 of the Coastal Communities Fund opened for applications on 12th March 2013. The Stage 1 deadline is 26th April; Stage 2 deadline is in mid-September and award announcements will follow in December of 2013.  This follows a similar timeline to the Year 1 programme.

For outline information and enquiries contacts please see here http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/uk-wide/coastal-communities