John Affleck, John Aitchison and Michael Moore in Burnmouth Harbour

 

Published on Friday 11 May 2012 07:31

 

BURNMOUTH residents are set to apply for government funding to help them better utilise the village’s potential.

The village is seeking to strengthen its local economy with a slice of the £2million Coastal Communities Fund, which has this year been earmarked to promote sustainable economic growth and jobs in Scotland’s coastal communities.

The Fund has been set aside for projects that enable coastal communities around the country to better use their assets, be they physical, natural, social, economic or cultural.

Borders MP Michael Moore is championing Burnmouth Harbour’s “great potential”, and is urging residents to apply for a slice of the cash.

Following a visit to the village last week, Mr Moore said: “Burnmouth is not only extremely beautiful but, despite the challenges faced by fishermen in recent decades, it remains a fishing harbour whose produce is prized throughout the UK and Europe.”

Burnmouth, Scotland’s first harbour, has a number of fishing vessels whose produce is sold across the UK and in Europe.

Like other communities on the coast, the village is seeking to strengthen its local economy with the government funding.

During his visit to Burnmouth, Mr Moore met with local representatives John Aitchison and John Affleck, and discussed the Fund with them, as well as ideas to modernise the harbour to benefit local fishermen and attract visitors.

He said: “Sampling the freshly caught crab during my visit, it is clear to see that Burnmouth has a lot to be proud of.

“The village also has fantastic physical and natural assets and this is why I am encouraged that local residents are keen to apply for the Coastal Communities Fund next year to ensure these assets are harnessed for the benefit of local people.”