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Fish Friers

Scottish Seafood^s Historic Meeting

Article Date: 2013-09-11

Scottish Seafood Association re-establishes historic meeting with The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay

Will Clark, Chairman along several members of the Scottish Seafood Association, presented a gift of Scottish Seafood to HRH The Duke of Rothesay and HRH The Duchess of Rothesay at their Deeside residence last week. 

 

https://www.nfff.co.uk/userdata/files/birkhall_presentation_100.jpg

 

Historically, the presentation was an annual event for many years and in re-establishing the tradition it allowed HRH The Duke of Rothesay to hear about positive developments within the local industry, in which he has a keen interest. 

A range of Scottish seafood was laid out and presented at the very informal setting giving processors plenty of time to discuss key industry issues and future opportunities with HRH. Processors considered it extremely important to demonstrate the link with the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme as a valuable tool to enhance the reputation of the fishing industry and are promoting it to customers in the foodservice sector in the UK and abroad. They reported that they have seen an increase in sales as their customers appreciate how well the industry is managed throughout the supply chain. 

Will Clark, Chairman, said: “We were absolutely delighted and privileged to meet with HRH The Duke of Rothesay and HRH The Duchess of Rothesay and present a large selection of seafood landed and processed in Scotland. What made the opportunity even more significant was the enthusiasm and interest in the industry that HRH showed. He was very keen to see further development in attracting new entrants to the industry and indicated his willingness to develop the idea of a training school for the seafood industry.”

His Royal Highness, whose International Sustainability Unit has been working on marine fisheries sustainability issues over the past few years, also heard how the industry in the North East of Scotland is adapting successfully to changes in catching and processing of seafood as well as some of the challenges the industry foresee in the future.

Andrew Charles of J Charles added: “The success of our Industry depends on getting our message across on how well all aspects of our industry are managed in terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility. To have the support of Prince Charles and the Duchess gives our entire industry a welcome boost.”

HRH impressed the North East processors with his knowledge of the seafood sector and discussions took place around the management of stocks, access to markets, and the need for stronger scientific evidence to help support appropriate management for recovering fish stocks.  Conversations led to the need for assistance in order to help generate interest in an industry that has been at the heart of the community in the north east for centuries.

Alan Stewart, of Downies Whitehills said: "The interest shown towards the challenges faced by the industry was appreciated by all in attendance. The opportunity to welcome HRH to visit the processors in attendance would go a long way in promoting the vast range of high quality Scottish seafood that is available to the rest of the country."

Scottish-landed monkfish, skate, scallops, mackerel and some locally produced Cullen Skink were all part of an extensive package presented to the Royal party.  In doing so the SSA were able to demonstrate the range, quality and environmental credentials of the local produce which they believe to be among the finest in the world.  

The meeting which traditionally took place over many years between the Royal family and representatives from the Scottish Seafood industry, was re-established by John Cox the CEO of Seafood Association.


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