Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery has welcomed a £2,000 donation from a hotel in recognition of its sustainable role in the seafood industry – and will use the money to raise hundreds more young lobsters.

The hatchery was established to support the fishing communities of East Lothian and Fife, and to strengthen the local marine ecosystem by increasing the populations of crabs, langoustines and oysters, as well as lobsters.

As one of the nation’s only hatcheries it plays a dedicated role in delivering long-term economic benefits to fishermen by releasing 20,000 lobsters back into the sea each year.

The funding comes from generous customers at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow, who added £1 to their bills at the hotel’s restaurant, iasg, raising £1,000, a sum matched by the hotel.

Mafalda Albuquerque, general manager at the hotel, said: “iasg serves the finest sustainable Scottish seafood to our customers and, with that, it’s important for our team to learn about and encourage the ongoing development of Scottish lobster conservation.

“Since opening the restaurant last year, we’ve worked with our customers to raise money for the charity and show our appreciation for the important work they do protecting Scotland’s shellfish, which is world renowned.

“We hope our donation will assist with the work of the charity as they continue to conduct valuable research into improving the survival rate of the lobsters.”

The donation from the hotel will be used to rear about 700 juvenile lobsters, which will eventually be released into the Firth of Forth.

Jake Norton, director at Firth of Forth Lobster Hatchery, was grateful for the donation, as the hatchery’s ability to carry out conservation work in the face of over-fishing worldwide depends on charitable contributions.

He said: “This fantastic donation from Kimpton Blythswood Square is integral in allowing us to continue our work of enhancing the fishery and local environment.

“As a centre for education and knowledge-sharing, it was great to show the iasg restaurant team how we have progressed over the years – we’re excited to see what the future holds with their support.”