FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Argyll and Ayrshire FLAG --ARCHIVED as of 31 January 2020--

Official name: 
Argyll and Ayrshire FLAG
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
UK207
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

--ARCHIVED as of 31 January 2020--
The main population centres are primarily located towards the coastal fringes in the larger towns of Ayr, Troon and Girvan, with fishing an important industry in these towns. There are many coastal communities in North Ayrshire, some of which are viewed as relatively affluent areas and locations for retirement. The economy is largely based on tourism, including sailing.

An ongoing challenge for coastal settlements is the building of a diverse, mixed economy including developing the area as a visitor destination. Restructuring of the fishing industry has had an adverse economic impact on many coastal towns that relied upon fishing. A key development need is to enable fisheries communities to create new and sustainable sources of income and to improve their quality of life. Other challenges for the area include problems connected with poor transport links, shortage of affordable housing and lack of employment opportunities. These challenges are leading to an out-migration of young people, which in turn is threatening the sustainability of many local communities.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Population
151 399
Surface area (km²)
9 833
Population density
15
Total employment in fisheries
730

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s local development strategy (LDS) emphasises the tourism infrastructure and strong agricultural and fishing sectors. A central objective of the strategy is ‘to protect, maintain and improve the amenity, natural heritage and recreational value of open space and the countryside generally, and to protect and enhance sites of scientific interest, wildlife sites, habitats of value, good quality agricultural land and South Ayrshire’s archaeological heritage’. The LDS has the following specific objectives:

  • Supporting lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries areas, maintaining the skills of fishermen as fishermen and re-skilling them to be able to offer new services (e.g. to tourism or renewables).
  • Supporting coastal communities to diversify their local economies through, for example, improving the tourism offer (e.g. through providing easy access to the water for recreation) and supporting the use of local food in Ayrshire restaurants and markets.
  • Creating links between and adding value to existing marine initiatives (e.g. Marine Spatial Planning, the work of Clyde 2020) and between marine and freshwater environments.
  • Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development and the governance of local fisheries resources.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
2
% of the budget allocated: 
20%
Supporting diversification
5
20%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
3
20%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
5
20%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
3
20%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
1 114 170
  • EMFF: 
    1 114 170

Calls for proposals

The FLAG does not make specific calls for projects. Instead, project promoters are encouraged to make expressions of interest year-round. More information on the FLAGs application form can be found here:

http://www.argyllandtheislandsleader.org.uk/emff-application-and-claims

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Argyll and the Islands LEADER
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include the Argyll and Bute Council, Clyde Marine Planning Partnership, Lantra Sector Skills Council, Mull Aquaculture and Fisheries Association, Scottish Association of Marine Science, South West Inshore Fisheries Group, Tobermory Harbour Association, Associated British Ports, Cassilis Estate, Visit Scotland, and the Argyll and the Islands LEADER LAG.  

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
11
% of fisheries actors: 
18%
% of public authorities and other: 
41%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
31%
% of environmental actors: 
9%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
11
% of public actors: 
42%

Map

FLAG Contacts

Argyll and the Islands LEADER
 
Eaglesham House, Mount Pleasant Road
Rothesay
PA20 9HQ Isle of Bute
United Kingdom
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Kwasi Addo
Phone:
+44 1700 501373
Languages:
  • English (Mother tongue)
Publication date: 
10/04/2019
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