A new drive to make Scottish seafood a global success story and breathe fresh life into fishing-dependent communities was launched yesterday.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead unveiled a £700,000 boost for the vital sector, which supports thousands of jobs. The Scottish Government has drawn up an action plan aimed at positioning the country as a world leader for quality seafood through market development and improved collaboration within the industry.
The move was broadly welcomed by the industry last night – but there were also calls for more cash to be invested to ensure it has vibrant, long-term future.
The growth strategy was drawn up following the release of the latest Scottish Seafood Partnership report.
Mr Lochhead said the plan would help identify and develop industry leaders for future generations, as well as promoting innovation.
He added: “Seafood is a huge economic driver for the north and north-east Scotland, where fishermen land top-quality product which is recognised for its excellence around the globe. This plan will build on that reputation and help increase its value.”
Mr Lochhead, who discussed the government scheme with the crew of the Inverness-registered Rosebloom, said: “This plan places seafood firmly where it belongs – as an integral and central part of the success story which is Scotland’s food-and-drink sector.
“I’m confident it will build on this strong base to achieve an even more sustainable and profitable seafood sector.”
Ian MacSween, who chairs the Scottish Seafood Partnership, said last night: “The successful implementation of the recommendations in this report are so important to the entire seafood supply chain and we now have the opportunity to work together and push this crucial industry forward.”
John Cox, chief executive of processors body the Scottish Seafoods Association, welcomed the plan last night. He said it would “breathe new life” into communities such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff and Macduff, whose economies relied heavily on the seafood industry.
Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil hailed the funding announcement as “welcome news” for the seafood sector. “In our own islands, the seafood industry is vital to the economy and, along with the rest of Scotland, our seafood is highly regarded as being amongst the most delicious on offer,” he said.
Meanwhile, William Calder, managing director of Scrabster Seafoods and former chairman of Scrabster Harbour Trust, said: “It’s good to see Richard Lochhead taking the initiative, but I would look on this as a ‘down payment’.
“It’s a start, but it will cost a lot more and take a lot more effort than this to provide security for the seafood industry.
“And I don’t think it will be done by money alone. It needs the policymakers to make it clear that the industry has a viable long-term future.”
He added that it was important to attract young people into the industry and to provide the appropriate training.
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