Highland & Moray FLAG

Operational Plan

Introduction

Introduced as a unique feature of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) 2007-2014, Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) were set up to deliver the EFF Axis 4 funding programme and initiate a community-led approach towards the sustainable development of fisheries areas. FLAGs have since been established all over Europe and will now help deliver the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) programme under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020.

Networking and co-operation between local partnerships is an essential feature of CLLD and a particular priority for EMFF in order to maximise the participation of fisheries and aquaculture sectors to fully exploit and benefit from the opportunities offered by maritime and coastal development. With this in mind, FLAGs have been encouraged at National level to consider amalgamating areas where it has been identified FLAGs may be strengthened by a collaborative approach and sharing of resources. Following discussions between partners, the decision has been taken to merge the existing Highland and Moray FLAG areas and establish a new partnership to deliver the CLLD programme. This document sets out the Operational Plan for the Highland Moray FLAG.

FLAG Area

The newly proposed FLAG area includes both Highland and Moray administrative regions and amalgamates the previous Axis 4 Highland and Moray FLAG boundaries covering 4985 kilometres of coastline and a population of 146,431. The main landing ports include Kinlochbervie, Lochinver, Ullapool, Portree and Mallaig on the West coast and Scrabster and Buckie on the East. In these areas, and in the many small harbours and piers found around the coastline, fishing and other maritime industries provide a vital source of jobs and income to communities.

The FLAG area has been determined by selecting-

1. Census output areas adjacent to the coast

To be deemed eligible, projects must be within the FLAG area but also demonstrate an association with fisheries or aquaculture to be considered for funding. A detailed description of the FLAG area including fisheries statistics and socio-economic profile is included in the respective Highland and Moray Local Development Strategy’s.

Local Development Strategy

Separate Local Development Strategy’s (LDS) have been produced for Highland and Moray areas as part of the European Rural Development Programme (ERDP) which covers both LEADER rural development funding and fisheries area development funding through EMFF. The FLAG will be responsible for the implementation of both the Highland & Moray LDS’s and the specific priorities that have been made for fisheries communities. As the budget available under EMFF is smaller than that of LEADER, in the likelihood that a project would be eligible for funding under both EMFF & LEADER, projects will be assessed on a project by project basis to determine the more suitable funding source.

The Highland & Moray LDSs highlight the common issues faced by their respective communities.

Common issues arising:

 high levels of self-employment  majority of businesses small/micro  decline in fishing related employment  fishing communities face same industry issues  greater dependency on jobs in agriculture, fishing and tourism  an older/aging population  young people leaving the area  under developed tourism offer  low GVA, GDP & full time pay

 low average household incomes  high proportion of part time work  disadvantaged geographical access to services

Common themes for support: Need for skills and training Support for local supply chains Enhance tourism Support for small and micro-businesses

Key Highland & Moray FLAG Priorities

Stronger and more resilient fishing communities

To protect fishing communities from further decline by investing in infrastructure that will allow communities to respond positively to challenges and opportunities. To build fisheries community capacity by supporting local development initiatives and co-operation between partners.

- Support for infrastructure improvements to benefit the fisheries sector (particularly projects which address the landing obligation) including community ownership of fisheries related assets/businesses - Support to enhance co-operation and innovative ideas from within the fisheries sector

A sustained, growing and diversified marine, coastal and aquaculture economy

To strengthen local economies by providing support for new and existing businesses to target profitable and growing markets and stimulate job creation. To add value to local fisheries and aquaculture products throughout the consumer supply chain. To give communities the opportunity to diversify outwith fisheries and explore other marine related incomes.

- Support for adding value to produce, marketing and promotion - Support for developing new skills and employment opportunities - Support for marine tourism - Support for local business initiatives tied to marine environment

Improved understanding of marine environment and management of resources

To promote initiatives that may conserve or enhance the marine environment with a view of long term sustainability. To reduce the environmental impact of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors through individual and co-operative action. To assist communities in reducing their carbon output through renewable energy schemes.

- Support for marine environmental improvements and projects addressing climate change - Support for local research/management/education – (IFG plans/projects)

Lead partner Role

It has been agreed that The Highland Council will be the lead partner for the Highland & Moray FLAG.

The role of the Highland Council as Lead partner will include:

 Acting on behalf of the Highland & Moray FLAG in reporting to Marine Scotland (Accountable Body)  The first line of contact for all enquiries and complaints

FLAG Structure

The FLAG will oversee the delivery of EMFF funding in line with the integrated vision of the LDS bringing sectoral knowledge and expertise to facilitate the delivery of the Programme and determine project applications. When doing so the FLAG will monitor progress of delivery of EMFF and either through direct action via one of its partner organisations or through the encouragement of others, ensure the delivery of the Local Development Strategy.

The Highland & Moray FLAG will select projects for recommendation to Marine Scotland who will be responsible for final project approval and issue of award (See Decision Making Process).

The Highland & Moray FLAG will to report to both Highland and Moray Strategic LAGs who hold the overall responsibility for the delivery of the LDS to ensure achievement of its strategic vision. The FLAG will aim to meet on a quarterly basis at an appropriate location and venue within the FLAG area.

The Highland & Moray FLAG covers a large geographical area which could potentially limit interaction and communication between the FLAG and fisheries communities. To help support the FLAG’s community engagement an Advisory Group will be established, in the first instance in Moray, to help build community capacity in local areas. Members of the Advisory Group will contribute valued local and sectoral knowledge and assist the FLAG in making project recommendations and promote CLLD principles. It is expected that the group will most likely correspond by email to the FLAG and that it would provide an opportunity for those who are unable to commit time to attend meetings to be involved in the work of the FLAG. The success of the proposed FLAG structure and the addition of the Advisory Group will be reviewed after the first year of operation.

Highland & Moray FLAG Highland Strategic Moray Strategic LAG LAG

Advisory Group

FLAG Membership

Community-led local development should be implemented through a bottom-up approach by local partnerships that are composed of representatives of the public, private and civil society sectors and that reflect correctly the local community.

Membership of the Highland Moray FLAG and Advisory group will be determined by the following process:

 Representatives of appropriate community, business/third sector and public sector organisations will be invited to be members.  A skills matrix will be undertaken of the membership and, where a skills shortage is identified either specialist advisers will be identified to support the work of each of the strategic, local or sectoral groups, and/or a public call for community and business/third sector individuals will be made

Quorum

The FLAG will be quorate when there are at least 5 voting members present – 3 of which must be either community or private/third sector. If more than 5 members are present, the required 51%/49% split between community /business/ third sector and public sector voting members must be achieved. Organisations will be encouraged to appoint substitutes to attend meetings on their behalf if the usual representatives are unable to attend.

If the meeting is not quorate no decision can be taken but the meeting can discuss and make recommendations which in turn can be circulated to the wider membership for a decision to be taken by written/electronic procedure. The preference will always be to have meetings – be they in person and/or via video conference/skype/telecommunications to encourage dialogue and debate rather than taking decisions by written/electronic procedure. The Advisory Group will not have to

meet quoracy requirements as a non-voting sub-group to the FLAG. Both the FLAG and Advisory Group will operate under an agreed Code of Conduct.

Declaration of Interest

All members of the FLAG and Advisory Group will be required to make declarations of interests. Such declarations are intended to produce transparency in regard to interests which might influence, or be perceived to influence, any actions/decisions taken. Narrative on conflicts of interest will be set out in national guidance and the Highland & Moray FLAG and Advisory Group will adhere to these requirements.

Marine Scotland Responsibilities

Marine Scotland is the designated Intermediate Body (IB) for the delivery of the EMFF programme in Scotland. FLAGs will make project recommendations to Marine Scotland who will make the final approval decision. As the Intermediate Body, Marine Scotland will hold financial responsibility for selection of projects, and will be responsible for the issue of award letters and the processing and payment of all financial claims.

FLAG Responsibilities

The FLAG will oversee the delivery of the EMFF funding in line with the integrated vision of the LDS, bringing local sectoral knowledge and expertise to determine prioritisation and the allocation of funding to project applications and facilitate delivery of the Programme. The FLAG will:

 Work with local groups to exploit opportunities offered through EMFF and other funding streams  Meet on a regular basis (as a minimum 4 times per annum at appropriate locations within the FLAG area, to be reviewed as appropriate)  Promote the Programme across the area  Assist and lead as appropriate with the development of local project proposals/plans  Consider and make recommendation to Marine Scotland on applications seeking grant assistance  Decisions on project applications will be reached by consensus (or by vote)  Ensure wide community involvement in line with the National Standards of Community Engagement  Monitor delivery of EMFF funded projects and either through direct action via one of its partner organisations or through the encouragement of others, ensure delivery of the LDS

The Advisory Group will:

 Promote the Programme across the area  Work with local groups to exploit opportunities offered through EMFF and other funding streams  Provide advice and support to the FLAG

EMFF Online Application System

An e-system has been developed to manage all applications to EMFF. All project documentation will be submitted through the EMFF e-system with the exception of Expression of Interest (EOI) forms which will be dealt with outside of the system. FLAG Development Officer and FLAG Administration staff will have delegated access to the online system depending on their respective responsibilities.

Guidance to assist applicants and FLAGs with the e-system application is available online- http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/grants-subsidies/EMFFesystemuserguide

Decision Making Process

Decision making will be conducted in an open and transparent way. The FLAG will complete a Project Recommendation Form which will be signed by the FLAG chair evidencing the decision reached and its fit with the LDS. Documentation relating to the FLAG decision e.g. minute of meeting will be held by the Lead Partner and be made available to Marine Scotland if requested. Project eligibility will be checked with Marine Scotland at time of application. The flow diagram outlines the decision making process for FLAG applications:

Animation of projects

Expression of Interest (EOI) submission by applicant (submission & appraisal - off line)

FLAG Application submitted by applicant (e-system)

Initial assessment untertaken by Local Development Officer (e-system)

FLAG meet to consider project & make recommendation (e-system confirmation by FLAG chair)

Project Assessment Committee considers project

Marine

Approval confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Scotland

Marine Scotland approve & issue award letter

Project selection criteria

Projects must demonstrate how they fit within the following Scottish Government CLLD priorities.

1) Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation at all stages of the fisheries and aquaculture seafood supply chain

2) Supporting diversification within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors

3) Supporting lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries areas

4) Promoting the cultural heritage of fisheries areas

5) Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development and the governance of local fisheries resources

Further to this they must also demonstrate how they fit with the key Highland & Moray FLAG priorities (see page 3). Project scoring criteria is detailed in the FLAG Guidance document however FLAGs can choose to use their own assessment criteria should they wish to do so. Training on how to apply the project scoring criteria will be provided for FLAG members.

Appeals/Complaints

Procedures for appeals will follow national guidance issued by the Scottish Government. Complaints will be dealt with through the Highland Council complaints process: http://www.highland.gov.uk/info/670/consultations_complaints_and_compliments/368/make_a_complaint

Staffing

The role of the Development Officer will be:

- To support the Highland Moray FLAG and the delivery of the EMFF Community-Led Local Development programme - To be the first line of contact for any EMFF related enquiries - To assist groups and individuals with project development and application to the FLAG - To undertake and present project assessments to the FLAG - To notify Marine Scotland of FLAG decision - To undertake various monitoring and evaluation tasks on behalf of the FLAG

Communications/Publicity

All publicity material will make full reference to the contribution made by the European Union, in line with the Guidance produced by the Commission. Project promoters will be advised of the requirement to contribute to Programme publicity which is associated with the granting of ESI Fund support. Publicity on grant awards will be jointly undertaken by FLAG and Marine Scotland.

The Highland Moray FLAG will aim carry out the following:  Maximise participation of fisheries and aquaculture sectors through community engagement exercises e.g. workshops  Create website to promote role of the FLAG and projects supported  E-bulletin/newsletters to update on progress of the FLAG and matters of interest  Press releases

Monitoring & Evaluation

The monitoring and evaluation of projects will be undertaken by the FLAG and Local Development Officers. Interim progress reports will be agreed with the applicant to track the projects progress towards agreed milestones and completion. Site visits will also be carried out by LDO’s where necessary. If a projects progress is of concern the FLAG will be notified and will decide if any action is required to be taken. A final monitoring and evaluation form will be completed by the applicant to capture the projects outputs and outcomes. Marine Scotland will confirm any additional FLAG monitoring and evaluation requirements.

Cooperation

The FLAG will seek to build on the success of FARNET as a networking platform and participate in the sharing of best practice and identify opportunities for co-operative action. There may be provision within EMFF for additional funding support should the FLAG wish to pursue national or trans- national co-operation projects. An aspiration of the FLAG amalgamation is to seek collaborative projects within the FLAG area and encourage co-operation between Highland & Moray partners.

FLAG Budget Allocation

Marine Scotland has confirmed a Highland Moray FLAG budget of £1,006,000. With consideration to previous EFF Axis 4 allocations, geography, population, and fisheries statistics it is proposed to have a 70/30 regional budget split between Highland and Moray (£704,200 Highland £301,800 Moray). With agreement of partners the allocation split may be revisited to address any underspend/overspend between areas.

ANNEX 1

Highland & Moray FLAG Membership

NAME ORGANISATION SECTOR

FLAG Chair

Duncan Pocket Lossie Marina Private

FLAG Vice Chair

Tom Bryan-Brown Mallaig North West Private Fishermans Association

John Cox Moray Firth Inshore Private Fishermans Association

Nick Lake Association of Scottish Private Shellfish Grower

Willie Calder Snr Scrabster Seafoods Ltd Private

Robyn Shilland Moray Firth Partnership Private

Prof. Ashley Mowat Three Harbours Association Third Sector

Pearl Hamilton Federation of Small Private Businesses, Moray

Alistair Farquahar Buckie Business Association Private

Iain Young Scottish White Fish Private Producers Organisation

Anne Moseley FOA27 Private

Tamara Lawton Scottish Natural Heritage Public

Jacqueline McDonell Highlands & Islands Public Enterprise

Scott Armstrong Visit Scotland Public

Cllr George Farlow/Cllr The Highland Council Public Richard Green

ADVISORS

Reni Milburn The Moray Council Public

Nicole Wallace The Highland Council Public

Andrew Anderson Highlands & Islands Public Enterprise

Cllr John Crowe The Moray Council Public

Cllr Gordon Cowie The Moray Council Public

Malcolm Watt Three Harbours Association Private

Bill Ruck Moray First Marine Ltd Private

Jacqui Taylor Moray College/UHI Public