Peterhead fish market had its best day in more than 11 years yesterday in terms of the total number of boxes landed.
Port authority chief executive John Wallace told the Press and Journal 8,100 boxes of fish were processed to round off a bumper few days for Europe’s biggest white-fish harbour.
Yesterday’s figure followed a 6,000-box haul going through the market on Thursday, with thousands more boxes waiting to come through.
The highest number since Christmas 2002 coincided with a tour of the market by Ian Duncan, a prospective candidate for the Tories in the European elections.
Mr Duncan, who once worked for the Scottish Fisherman’s Federation, said: “We had a fantastic morning . . . meeting fishermen, buyers, processors and the fantastic port authority staff who are leading the way with the development of Peterhead into a recognised world-leading fish market.
“It is indeed a record day, with the best number of boxes landed for over 12 years.
“That is extraordinary and it is great to see there is a bright future in the Scottish fishing industry.
“I spent four years working for the federation at a very low point, when there were attempts to close the cod grounds, and it is good to see that there has been a serious recovery. However, this has been in spite of the EU, not because of it.”
He added: “The important thing now is that there is a future in fishing but we need to protect and preserve that.”
Mr Wallace said the large numbers of boxes landed this week highlighted the need for a new fish market, adding: “It is fantastic to see and reflects a good start to the year.”
The port authority wants to start work on a £8.5million fish market – part of a £40million harbour revamp – as early as next year.
The plan is for a facility able to cope with 9,000 fish boxes at a time and a covered landing area for private sales.
The overall Peterhead harbour redevelopment, which also includes a deepening scheme, depends on the port authority succeeding with a bid for £10million from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund.