Moore supports Coastal Communities Fund
The UK Government announces a major change in聽the way coastal communities in Scotland benefit from the Crown Estate's marine activities.
Scotland鈥檚 coastal communities are set to receive a multi-million pound annual boost from a new Coastal Communities Fund, the Treasury has announced.
The new fund will be financed by the UK Government through the allocation of funding equivalent to 50 per cent of the revenues from the Crown Estate鈥檚 marine activities. Beginning in April 2012, the funding聽 will support the economic development of coastal communities and a wide range of projects. They聽will include those that support charities, the environment, education and health.
The 2011 funding in Scotland will be worth around 拢4 million, with 拢1.85 million earmarked for the Highlands & islands and 拢2.05 million for the rest of Scotland. It will be available on a bid basis and the UK Government is in discussion with the Big Fund, part of the Big Lottery Fund, on how to deliver for Scotland鈥檚 communities.
The Secretary of State Michael Moore welcomed the announcement and said:
鈥淭his is a wide-ranging and innovative fund which will create many opportunities for coastal communities across Scotland. The Crown Estate has been the subject of much debate in Scotland recently and this is a very positive step to directly linking its marine revenues to the support of projects in Scotland. The fund in Scotland will be worth around 拢4m in 2012 and I will be working hard to make sure Scottish organisations participate.鈥�