Newsletter Spring 2020

With over 350 FLAGs established throughout Europe, co-operation is a key tool to help us achieve our common goal - bettering our local coastal communities for local people. The Highland & FLAG has been involved in co-operation events at local, National and European level recently. They’ve have proven to be a great opportunity to share ideas and learn from one another so we can find new ways to tackle the common challenges we face. You can find out a little bit more about the events below!

of days gone by in the fishing together and have the opportunity villages of Moray at the Buckie to share experiences from our Fishing Heritage Centre and respective areas. The group visited Lossiemouth Fisheries and FLAG funded projects in , Community Museum. At which included a short boat trip Lossiemouth Marina, the group over to community owned Isle were shown around the various Martin, a harbour tour to see the FLAG projects. At Burghead they renovated ‘wee jetty’ and new Swedish FLAG Visit to Moray saw the recently installed harbour shellfish storage facility, with the fuel tank which allows fishermen 24 day rounded off with presentations We were delighted to host a group hour access to fuel, before visiting from the Scottish Wildlife Trust of Swedish fishermen and women the Burghead Headland Trust where Living Seas project and Ailsa to the Moray area back in they learnt about Scottish fishing McLellan from Ockran Oysters. Day November. The visit was to find out traditions and the local tradition of two was down to business as the about our Scottish fishing heritage burning of the Clavie. The day was a group discussed the technical side and visit some FLAG funded projects great success with thanks going to of the programme, and of course as part of a training programme for Rural Network for co- this time with an eye on what the fishermen run by a FLAG from ordinating. future holds for FLAGs. Tornedalen and Harparanda in Sweden. Scottish FLAG- Co ordinators Meeting- Ullapool The group started their day in Cullen with a short presentation There are 8 FLAGs active in delivered by the FLAG Co-ordinator Scotland, each with their own co- and FLAG Chair, followed by a visit ordinator to facilitate the to Cullen Sea School boat building programme. FLAG co-ordinator’s workshop and sailing school have quite a unique and varied job premises. They experienced a taste so it’s great to be able to get For more information and latest news visit our website or follow our twitter page www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk @high_morayFLAG More FLAG Funded Projects Findhorn Village Conservation Company - Findhorn, Moray Findhorn Village Conservation Company received FLAG funding towards the construction of an all access coastal path along the shore, linking up to the local marina and improving access to nearby slipways. With the works due to be completed in Spring, people of all abilities will soon be able to enjoy a restorative walk along the waterfront. Total Project Costs: £184,645 FLAG Funding: £13,000 Boat Yard - Isle of Ewe, Highland The FLAG was delighted to support Isle of Ewe Boat Yard to install a new cradle and winch which will allow boats upto 12m to be hauled ashore to be repaired. This will open up the boat yards services to a whole new range of customers, and will safeguard and create jobs in a remote island community. Total Project Costs: £27,747.32 FLAG Funding: £20,810.50 MV Eilidh - Kyle of , Highland With support from FLAG, fisherman Donald Mathison has set up his own ice making facilities to preserve and improve the quality of his catch. Donald also supplies ice to other local boats when needed and has been approached to supply several local community events too and even the odd wedding! Total Project Costs: £9,531.25 FLAG Funding: £4,765.63 Cullen Sea School - Cullen, Moray Through the refurbishment of the old ‘parliament’ building at the harbour, Cullen Sea School will soon have a new multipurpose space to house their booking office and deliver their classroom sessions along side a small retail space. CCS will also undertake the refurbishment of the nearby toilet block and outdoor seating area ensuring that locals and visitors to the area have all the essentials to enjoy an active day on the coast and open water. Total Project Costs: £146,052 FLAG Funding: £96,052 SSE Beatrice Funding - £50,000 To find out more about CSS’s activities including boat building, sailing, coastal rowing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and training courses visit their website www.cullenseaschool.co.uk or Twitter page @CullenSea Contact details for Highland - [email protected] Tel: 0195560 8265 Mobile: 07788 387510 Contact details for Moray - [email protected] Tel: 01343 563658 Mobile: 07971882932