It is impossible to overstate the importance of the fishing industry to Lochaber coastal communities, as many families and businesses rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
So it is very heartening to be able to report this week on the awarding of a substantial grant of £182,000 to facilitate the purchase and installation of a new ice plant at Mallaig Harbour as part of a government aid package.
The money is part of more than £6.9 million in total from the sixth round of European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) grants to be invested in 107 projects across Scotland to also help fishing fleets land and sell their catch.