A record-busting fishing industry showcase has been hailed as a reflection of increasing confidence in the sector.
About 1,700 people flocked to Skipper Expo International in Aberdeen last Friday and Saturday, while the number of exhibitors at the annual event – nearly 200 of them – was up by 60% from a year ago.
Several new boat building orders were signed by skippers and show organiser Mara Media said the same level of industry optimism was reflected “right across the spectrum” on trade stands seeing brisk business.
Mara commercial fishing manager Sharon Boyle said: “It was a fantastic show and we would like to thank everyone in the fishing industry for their superb support.
“Several people commented on how much the show resembled the peak years it used to enjoy in the past, which is a great testament to how the event has grown in recent times.
“We are already making plans for Skipper Expo International Aberdeen 2017, where we hope to further build on this success.”
UK Fishing Minister George Eustice and Ukip leader Nigel Farage were both at last week’s event to drum up support for a Brexit.
Scotland’s new fisheries minister, Fergus Ewing, did not attend. A Scottish Government spokesman said Mr Ewing was unable to adjust existing diary commitments so soon after taking up his new cabinet secretary role.
And if anyone needed reminding about the social impact of the ups and downs of fishing, Fraserburgh’s Carol MacDonald was there to do just that.
Ms MacDonald, who nearly 14 years ago teamed up with friends Morag Ritchie and Caroline Bruce to launch the tartan mini-skirt clad Cod Crusaders campaign group, was showing off a fish tattoo on her left hand
She said: “This little fish is a reminder of what my community means … and where its lifeblood stems from.
“I’m a little fish who has fought to keep the political sharks from constantly attacking good honest people who are just trying to make a living.”
Other highlights of the expo – sponsored by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation – included trade body Seafish promoting its responsible fishing scheme, boat displays and demonstrations of flotation and sea-survival equipment.
A Scottish Seafood Association stand, created in partnership with Peterhead-based fish container firm Box Pool Solutions and the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association, proved a magnet for visitors attracted by tasty morsels served by chefs from the Buchan Braes hotel at Boddam.
The expo had a strong international flavour, with a big presence from Norway and Denmark among exhibitors from 17 countries.
Ms Boyle said the interest from overseas was further evidence of a new-found optimism within the fishing industry keen to re-equip, upgrade or build new vessels.