Scotland’s annual fishing industry showcase is under way in Aberdeen, with this year’s Skipper Expo International event boasting a stronger international flavour than any of its three predecessors.
Hugh Bonner, managing director of show organiser Mara Media, was delighted by the healthy turnout yesterday and many more visitors are expected to attend today.
“We have 100 exhibitors here this year, including 15 new companies and there are visitors from all over,” Mr Bonner said, adding: “It is bigger than ever before.”
One of the highlights yesterday was a Q&A session with Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead about the implications for the Scottish fishing fleet if voters choose independence in the September 18 referendum.
Another big attraction was the display of new fishing boats, brought to the show by Peterhead boat-builder Anderson Marine, Maver Boats of Crail and Northern Irish firm G Smyth Boats.
Other exhibitors featured companies covering such diverse sectors as marine electronics, engine suppliers, safety equipment, creels, chandlery and deck machinery.
Safety is a key theme of the expo and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) is using it to promote its offer of free life-jackets to every fisherman in Scotland with the correct mandatory certification.
SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said the number of exhibitors and visitors at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre event reflected a confident mood within the sector these days after many years of sacrifice in the name of conservation.
He added: “There is a resource out there to catch and, unless it is mismanaged, there should be a bright future for the industry.”
This year’s expo, sponsored by the SFF and Mullion Survival Technology, is the fourth of its kind.
It has taken the place of the annual Fishing series of events in the Scottish industry’s calendar.
The Fishing shows, held every year in Glasgow until 2012, were not so easy to get to for people in the north and north-east.