What sources of funding are available in order to keep the network of small piers and harbours accessible to tourists and local communities.

The Scottish Executive has two grant schemes that support harbours work, namely approximately£7.5 million for the provision of harbour facilities supporting lifeline ferryservices in the Highlands and Islands and £400,000 for emergency repairs tofisheries harbours. However, responsibility for the repair and maintenance ofsmall piers and harbours, including such matters as accelerated low watercorrosion problems and dredging requirements consistent with expected usage, isa matter for the relevant owners. Funding support may also be available fromlocal authorities, local enterprise companies, the European Union and theNational Lottery Fund.