23 January, 2009

THE NAFC Marine Centre secured its funding for 2009/10 when Shetland Islands Council yesterday (Thursday) approved a £2.5 million package.

Almost £2 million of the cash will go towards the overall running cost of £3.2 million.

A further £150,000 will be going towards fisheries inspection service company Shetland Seafood Quality Control (SSQC).

The council's development committee also approved a £380,000 grant towards replacing the college's existing fish farm workboat MV Crest after the Health and Safety Executive raised safety issues.

The £2.5 million package will come from council reserves generated through the operation of the oil port at Sullom Voe.

The college, based in Scalloway, offers a wide range of educational and training courses from nautical to engineering, and is increasingly attracting academic research work.

Councillors yesterday praised the facility as "world class" and an "important part of the whole industry".

However councillor Alastair Cooper urged the college management under the leadership of its new director Professor David Gray to make every effort to source outside funding under the European Social Fund.

Shetland Islands Council also spends £626,055 on rent, repairs and insurance for the college buildings at Port Arthur, in Scalloway.