Scotland’s newest ice plant was officially opened by Rural Economy and Connectivity Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing yesterday.
The new £1million facility at Scrabster harbour can produce 30tonnes of ice per day and has storage capacity for 60tonnes. It allows fishing boats to take on ice at any time of the day or night, protecting the quality of their catch.
A total of £685,000 funding was awarded to purchase and instal the ice plant, including £542,000 from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund via the Scottish Government and £143,000 from the Nuclear Decommissioning Association.
Its official opening comes after an independent report found the harbour generates £25million for Caithness and supports more than 400 jobs.
Scrabster Harbour Trust manager Sandy Mackie said: “The new ice plant will improve facilities for fishing vessels and allow Scrabster harbour to maintain its position among the UK’s top fish landing ports.”
Mr Ewing said: “Scotland’s fishing industry is a vital part of our economy, supporting jobs and businesses in coastal communities. I am very pleased to open this new facility, which complements the wider programme of harbour improvements in Scrabster.”