The Scottish executive has pledged £6 million towards the creation of a sustainable fishing industry.

Making the announcement on Tuesday, deputy fisheries minister Allan Wilson said the cash could help create over 96 full-time and part-time jobs in the industry.

The funding will go to 58 projects, and is expected to trigger associated investment of some £10 million.

"The Scottish executive is committed to the development of a viable and sustainable fishing industry in Scotland - an important sector of the Scottish economy," said Wilson.

"The awards provide much-needed support and amply illustrate our continuing determination to put the industry on a sustainable footing and to improve product quality at all stages of the food chain.

"Most of the aid is for projects located in fish dependent areas or remote communities whose economies are heavily reliant on aquaculture and fishing.

"Employment is a vital consideration in such communities and was again an important factor in the assessment of applications received."

The grants were made as part of the European Union's Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance which was introduced in 2000 and will run until the end of 2006.

Across the UK, £93 million has so far been made available under the programme, of which £55 million has been spent in Scotland.