19 February, 2008

SHETLAND's fisheries college in Scalloway is to receive £528,000 from the cash surplus made by local investment firm Shetland Development Trust (SDT).

The disbursement is worth £880,000 to the NAFC Marine Centre as the college, which is a charity, can claim tax credit of 40 per cent on the amount.

The money will go a long way to covering the college's 2008/09 running costs of around £2 million. A further £880,000 to fund the college will come from the council's oil money reserves.

College director Peter Dryburgh said: "I am pleased to have secured funding from the Shetland Development Trust for the coming financial year and look forward to continuing to deliver our vital services in education, training, research and development, and advice for our local industry."

NAFC supports local industries which, according to the SDT, put £225 million into the local economy. It provides training, education, research, development and quality control for fishing and aquaculture, as well as managing the council's works licences.

The college also currently has 50 students on its Merchant Navy cadet programme.

SDT chairman Josie Simpson said: "The NAFC Marine Centre provides a vital role for the local industry and ensures Shetland has access to exceptional training at home.

"The centre is also a major partner within the 'successful and sustainable' Shetland seafood plan and access to research and technical expertise within the field is also a key component towards making sure we build a sustainable industry for Shetland."