Storm hit harbours receive funding boost

AN extra £3 million has been made available for Scottish fishing harbours that were battered by the worst storms in living memory.

In Caithness, 10 harbours were left severely damaged as a result of December’s tidal storms causing hundreds of thousands of pounds in repairs.

The Scottish Government is now providing additional funding to go towards costs to repair harbours, sea walls and quaysides.

First Minister Alex Salmond said it is working with a number of harbours to clarify the extent of support required to repair the damage caused by these storms.

"The fisheries industries in Scotland contribute £500 million to the economy and support over 5000 costal jobs across Scotland," he said.

"The emergency harbour repair funding announced earlier this year ensured that immediate work to keep some harbours up and running could be undertaken quickly.

"This additional money will help mend piers and walls as well as minimise further damage in the future."