Usan Salmon Fisheries receives six-figure European grant
Usan Salmon Fisheries of Montrose — one of the few remaining salmon netters in the country — has been awarded a European grant of more than £100,000 to invest in its business.
Three of the Pullar family (from left) David jnr, David snr and George.
- By Chris Hardy
- Published in the Courier : 29.10.10
- Published online : 31.10.10 @ 07.34pm
The grant, given with the support of the European Fisheries Fund, will be used for the construction of a net and boat manufacturing and repair unit, and three new power net washing beds.
The company, based in the old fishing village of Usan, south of Montrose, said it was proud to have secured much-needed and highly prized support. It followed a stringent application process and company director George Pullar said he hoped the new facilities would be completed and operational by the end of next March.
"We are thrilled to have received this hugely significant award," he said. "These new facilities will enable us to optimise the efficiency of our operations and will allow our staff to carry out their work under much improved conditions.
"We make and repair our own nets — no one else is manufacturing them — and we build our own boats. The new facility will mean we can do the work indoors.
"We fully acknowledge and thank Scottish ministers, Marine Scotland staff and the European Union for their support of our traditional, sustainable wild salmon netting business. In these unprecedented tough economic times, obtaining this grant is a massive boost to our operations."
Usan Salmon Fisheries is a family business established by the Pullars in the 1960s and is now one of the largest independent salmon netting companies in Scotland.
"We continue to thrive today, despite a hostile angling lobby," said Mr Pullar. "Our customers recognise the exceptional quality of our 100% natural product. The business continues to diversify, with its latest venture being the set-up of an online shop."
The company employs six members of the Pullar family and has a number of seasonal employees.
03.11pm - 08.11.2010 Jens Olav Flekke - Oslo, Norway Report This
I have fished the Esk at Burns house, no fish. Not fun when you know that there is net on the lower river. Not going back. The fact that EU is giving grants to kill even more salmon is unbelivable!!
03.54pm - 11.11.2010 Dave Buchan - Stonehaven, Scotland Report This
Nae wonder the Pullars are all smiling in the photo, you would be to with a £100,000 grant for your buisness !!Disgrace !!
12.41am - 14.11.2010 JAMES MACKAY - Thurso, Scotland Report This
good to see salmon netsmen getting a share of eu cash, every other business had a share, no netting interests ever was given help <br /> Good
03.09pm - 15.11.2010 vince bastianelli - lancashire, lancashire Report This
I'm fisherman for 35 years at fished on the Esk and tay, no fish. Not fun when you know that there is net on the lower river. Not going back. The fact that EU is giving grants to kill even more salmon is unbelivable!! <br />
04.52pm - 18.11.2010 Roy Blackhall - Banchory, Scotland Report This
How is netting salmon a sustainable business? When the Faroese start fishing again as threatened because of this.USAN will have nothing to net. The grant will not be of any use unless they find other fish to catch or butterflies.
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