Chamber and committees

Commercial sea fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. We need to do all we can to make fishing as safe as possible, and encourage more people to see fishing as a desirable career, which will help to ensure the sustainability of the industry in the long term. The Scottish Fishing Safety Group, established in May 2019 aims to do just that. This industry led group works alongside established safety bodies such as the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) - on how we can improve health, safety and wellbeing on Scottish vessels. The group supports fishing industry efforts to achieve zero deaths annually and the reduction in accidents across the whole Scottish fishing industry.

Since 31 March 2024 three organisations have been unsuccessful in applying for support from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

After awarding £1,124,350 to Victim Support Organisations in December the balance in the fund as at December 2024 is £188,525.92.

Criminals made to pay to support victims - gov.scot.

The following organisations have received funding from the victim surcharge fund since 31 March 2024

Through the FONE membership itself, which comprises a range of stakeholder membership organisations, and by routinely engaging with individuals who can add value to discussions.

The FONE is a collaborative group dedicated to supporting agricultural new entrants and the next generation of Scottish farmers and crofters. Each of the members looks to ensure that their organisation is giving due consideration to new entrant opportunities and further support they can provide.

The group’s success can be evidenced by the 8,272 hectares of land that have been made available to new entrants since 2016. This represents a combined effort from public bodies to maximise new entrant opportunities on public land.

Henry Graham.

Each financial year, £10,000 is budgeted for the chair’s remuneration. No further funding is provided to the FONE group directly.

Yes. The FONE group meets on a quarterly basis and members are routinely provided the opportunity to share what promotional material, including guidance, support, case studies and signposting for new entrants and the next generation is being offered. Additionally, agricultural opportunities are regularly signposted on the individual stakeholders’ websites, such as:

New Entrants resources for farmers from Farm Advisory Service

Inspirational Stories | Helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service

Farmers sign up | Scottish Land Matching Service

Yes. The FONE group’s membership comprises of crofting stakeholders who regularly discuss and consider what further efforts can be made to make the best use of crofts and attract new entrants to crofting.