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The Scottish government will provide financial aid to local fishermen following recommendations from the fishing industry's fuel task force to introduce fuel efficiency measures to cut fuel consumption and running costs.

The £700,000 initiative is part of an overall package worth £29 million over three years to help Scottish fishermen deal with high marine fuel costs.

The Scottish government will provide £400,000 over the next 18 months, with payments to individual vessels of up to £250.

Commenting on the programme, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: 'It's been a tough year for Scotland's fishermen - record fuel prices hit them hard. While I'm glad prices have come down a little of late, I appreciate things are still difficult.

'We're making this extra help available to assist with the costs of annual maintenance of safety equipment as part of our three year action plan. We've also committed £300,000 to cover the costs of the next phase of warranties for vessel monitoring systems.

'These two initiatives are part of the Government's commitment to helping the fishing industry adapt successfully to an era of high and fluctuating fuel prices. We are backing up that programme of work with nearly £29 million over three years, which is made up of Scottish government and European funding and a contribution from Seafish.

'In such a testing economic climate, we must do everything we can to help Scotland's fishermen and take decisive action to benefit our hard-pressed rural businesses and communities.

'We are determined to maximise jobs, invest in business and ensure our economy is well-positioned for recovery,' said Lochhead.

James Brown, chairman of the industry fuel task force which was set up in August in response to the rise in marine fuel prices, said 'I welcome this initiative from the government. We're working together with them to put our three year plan into action. This scheme is a small but important part of that work. We're also working with the government on a range of actions to improve fuel efficiency and to maximise the value of Scotland's excellent sea food.'