SEAFOOD producers in Scotland have voiced disappointment as the UK Government launched its £23 million support scheme for the sector.

The UK-wide Seafood Disruption Support Scheme (SDSS) will provide up to £23m of financial assistance to businesses that suffered a financial loss because of delays related to the export of fresh or live fish and shellfish to the EU between January 1 and 31 this year.

The scheme, administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, is offering financial assistance based on a proportion of losses that can be verified up to a maximum of £100,000 per business.

However, Donna Fordyce, chief executive of Seafood Scotland, said: “We hoped the £23m would go some way to alleviating the pressure. However, the initial industry feedback today is one of disappointment, with many companies instantly realising they will be ineligible for support. This includes companies that have had to stop trying because their product has not been getting through.

“Companies cannot produce health certificates and other documentation for orders never made because of a lack of customer confidence.”