Article Source: Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
Last Updated: 26 February 2024 13:22
Pride in the Seas exhibition to debut over three days at Scottish Parliament
Running from 19 to 21 March, “Pride in the Seas” profiles vessel owners, skippers, deckhands, scientists and analysts from Berwickshire to Shetland, with all involved intent on ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
Sponsored by Rachael Hamilton MSP and created by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in partnership with renowned photographer, Ian Georgeson, it’s hoped that the exhibition will provide the sector with an invaluable opportunity to engage with the country’s leading political figures.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “There is always a lot of debate surrounding Scotland’s fishing industry – and that is only right given its role in our economy, culture and society, in coastal regions and beyond.
“What is often overlooked are the individuals at the very heart it. A vast majority of the fishing workforce see it as a calling and, whether a result of family heritage or instinct, want it to be passed on to the next generation in a healthy state.
“SFF’s Pride in the Seas exhibition captures this and through the stories of 12 of these inspiring people offers a chance for politicians and other key figures to have meaningful discussions about securing the future for a brilliant industry that is putting healthy, low-carbon protein on our plates.”
Scotland’s key political figures in attendance will also have an opportunity to sign a pledge in support of Scotland’s fishing communities, to protect against loss of access to key fishing grounds and guard against the creation of new policies without the cooperation, engagement and support of the industry.
The 12 individuals featured in the exhibition will be:
• Trevor Spouse, Skipper in Eyemouth
• Mark Anderson, Skipper, and son Nicol, Deckhand, in Shetland
• Colin Stephen, Skipper in Peterhead
• Mark Robertson, part-owner, and sons Paul and Adam, Skippers, in Fraserburgh
• Willie John McLean, Skipper in Mallaig
• Erin Mackenzie, Deckhand in Mallaig
• Dr Steve Mackinson, Chief Scientist, Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association
• Dr Paul Macdonald, Senior Fisheries Analyst, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation
• Elena Balestri, Senior Fisheries Policy and Science Manager, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “I’m delighted to sponsor the Pride of Seas exhibition which will showcase the people at the heart of making our fishing industry one of the finest in the world.
“Day and night, many risk their lives at sea and should be commended for putting the outstanding seafood on our plates that we so love and enjoy.
“They are an integral part of creating a modern, resilient and profitable fishing sector underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a prosperous marine environment for the future.
“This event will give my parliamentary colleagues and I the chance to discuss how we can continue to develop healthy marine ecosystems that provide livelihoods, enjoyment, and prosperity to our coastal communities.
“I’m particularly keen to strengthen fishing businesses and enhance their sustainable growth which will bring additional benefits to the UK.”
Following its debut, the exhibition will be available for tour across towns, schools, museums and other public facilities around the country.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation was established to represent a sustainable, prosperous fishing industry in Scotland. It was borne in response to the need for greater political engagement when the UK joined the EU and in adapting to the first oil exploration which saw the proliferation of other activities in the historic fishing grounds of the North Sea.
Fighting for the interests of 450 fishing vessels in Scotland’s fleet, the federation is made up of eight Associations which represent the sector from small creel boats to large pelagic and white fish trawlers.
The full exhibition and case studies are now available to view on the SFF website: www.sff.co.uk/news/category/pride-in-the-seas
Image: L-R Hannah Fennel, Head of Orkney Fisheries and SFF President, Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Rachael Hamilton MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary.
THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.
READ MOREJoin a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!
READ MORECharity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.
READ MOREMusic lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.
READ MOREGlasgow venue hosted creators from around the UK and national, local, and golf press on the eve of The 152nd Open Championship.
READ MOREIn response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.
READ MOREThe landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!
READ MORETrust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.
READ MOREOn 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.
READ MOREDobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.
READ MORENeurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.
READ MORERenfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.
READ MOREVisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.
READ MOREScotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.
READ MORECommunity groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.
READ MOREBe Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.
READ MOREOn the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.
READ MOREBorders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!
READ MORESleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.
READ MOREScotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.
READ MOREDobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.
READ MOREFamily favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holidays at Vue venues in Scotland.
READ MORETwo steel blast doors from East Kilbride’s secret Cold War bunker will go on display for the first time in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MOREFrom the farm's latest arrivals to the ever-popular historic farm house and museum, there’s plenty of family fun to be had at the National Museum of Rural Life!
READ MOREBorders' jewel announces sensational line-up of world-class bands for summer music spectacular.
READ MOREOne of the world's oldest celebrations of contemporary classical music and sound, Nordic Music Days takes place in Scotland for the first time in its 136-year history!
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 6th and 7th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREVue has announced the latest set of family-friendly blockbusters arriving this summer, as well as a number of new ways for families and kids of all ages to enjoy time together at the big screen!
READ MOREGarden Centre offers free summer plant care workshops across its stores.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"