The chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed a visit by new UK fisheries minister Stephen Morgan MP to Peterhead, where he met fishermen, fish market traders and others involved in Scotland’s fishing industry.
During the visit, hosted by the SFF, the minister experienced the morning sales at Peterhead Fish Market and visited the pelagic vessel Artemis to gain a first-hand understanding of the journey Scotland’s wild-caught fish takes from sea to plate.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the scale, skill and economic importance of Scotland’s fishing sector, from those working at sea to the processors, traders, transport operators and wider supply chains that support coastal communities across the country.
SFF chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the new UK fisheries minister to the north-east to see for himself the importance of the industry to our coastal communities.
“From the skill of those working at sea to the communities and supply chains behind every catch, the visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase the role of Scottish fishing in producing natural, renewable, low-carbon and high-protein food.
“It is important that ministers have the opportunity to hear directly from those working in the industry and witness the professionalism, innovation and investment that characterise modern Scottish fishing. We look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with the minister on the issues that matter most to the sector.”
Mr Morgan said: “Getting out and about and meeting those working at the heart of Scotland’s fishing industry today has been fantastic.
“It is a rare but invaluable chance to meet traders at Peterhead’s fish market and join the crew onboard a pelagic vessel.
“It’s clear just how many people and businesses this sector supports across the north-east of Scotland, and how much pride there is in the work they do.
“I know that I’ll be drawing on today’s conversations to help Scotland’s fishing sector continue to thrive.”