Scotland Office minister Douglas Ross spoke of a “feeling of optimism” as he visited a north-east fish plant on the day of Brexit.
The Moray MP, who was appointed Parliamentary under secretary of state after retaining his seat in the December general election, spoke to industry leaders as he toured the Northbay Pelagic Ltd premises in Peterhead.
The Conservative politician said: “In 2016 people chose to leave the EU, and many of those people who did vote for Brexit work in the fishing industry.
“They realise the opportunities there are in becoming an independent coastal state.
“Speaking to those working here, there is clear feeling of optimism.”
Mr Ross was shown around the factory and given an insight into the day-to-day operations there, before being given a tour of the Resolute fishing boat.
Operations manager at the plant, Scott McKenzie, said: “It was good being able to put our points of view across to Douglas, I’m sure he has the contacts to try and help us.
“I’m hopeful that it’ll all be OK moving forward and that we’re going to see an improvement in the fishing industry after Brexit.”
Mr Ross’s visit came days after a European Union memo emerged suggesting that Brussels was planning to dig in and hold out for a status quo agreement in Brexit trade talks.
The memo stated that the EU’s “priority” in trade talks was to keep “existing reciprocal access and quota shares”.
