A total investment of £20m will be helped by £5.25m from the Scottish Government and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF).

Fisheries Secretary, Richard Lochhead said: "This hugely ambitious infrastructure project is exactly what the North East and Scotland needs at this time and it will help secure a bright future for one of our key industries for many decades to come.

"The improved harbour will increase berthing facilities at the harbour and ensure it can cope with the largest, most modern pelagic vessels."