The UK’s largest annual fishing industry showcase returns to the north-east in May, with exhibitors from at least 18 countries already signed up to take part.
Skipper Expo International Aberdeen 2018 could beat all previous attendance records amid bouyant times for the sector in Scotland.
The two-day event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will feature companies from virtually every equipment and service sector of the fishing industry. There is also a seafood buffet evening, on May 25, at the Douglas Hotel.
Bertie Armstromg, chief executive of expo sponsor the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said it was a “must visit” event in the industry calendar. “It is heartening to see so much interest,” he added.
Sharon Boyle of show organiser Mara Media said interest in this year’s show had been “incredible”. The event starts on Friday May 25 and comes at a time of growing confidence in the Scottish catch sector.
Optimism is based on healthier stocks, higher quotas, a flurry of boat-building and the potential opportunities of Brexit.
North Sea cod stocks in particular have staged a spectacular recovery, thanks to years of conservation effort by fishers.
In recent years, Skipper Expo has attracted record numbers of visitors to trade stands seeing brisk business.
More than 200 exhibiting companies from about 20 countries took part in last year’s show, which was the seventh since 2011.