Generations of fishermen gathered in a coastal Moray village yesterday to discuss tough times ahead for the industry and to reflect on past glories.
The Burghead and Hopeman branch of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association formed plans to tackle changing tides in the traditional business during a meeting at Hopeman’s Station Hotel.
As of Friday, north-east crews will be banned from discarding any fish they catch – which is expected to mean longer hours at sea for crews.
Branch chairman Hamish McPherson skippered the Ardent II fishing vessel for years, before his son took over at its helm around 2000.
Mr McPherson sen said: “This meeting helps us keep younger fishermen aware of developments and changing industry regulations.
“The discard ban will have a big impact on fishermen here, and we’re working on how to adapt to that.
“We also use this occasion to share our stories from throughout the year.”
Mr McPherson jun said: “We have been through tough times before and got past them, so we will just have to find a way to work with these new rules.”
This year’s meeting was the first time the group decided to combine its annual meeting with a social lunch.
Industry stalwarts, including retired fisherman and new Heldon and Laich councillor Dennis Slater, gathered to share tales from life at sea with current crewmen.
Mr Slater said: “It’s great to see our fishing heritage here being remembered and continued.”