Children from Cullivoe Primary School had a chance to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes of Shetland’s seafood industry when they went on a mini seafood tour last week. The visit, which was organised by Ruth Henderson at Seafood Shetland as part of the So Much to Sea initiative, aimed to give the pupils a further insight into this vital industry that is worth some £300 million a year to the islands’ economy.

Following an overnight stay in Lerwick it was an early start for the children as 23 pupils, ranging from five to 12 years old, headed to the Stewart Building, Lerwick Fish Market and Shetland Catch to learn more about what happens to fish once it has been landed at Lerwick.

Martin Leyland from the seafood auctions gave an enthusiastic talk about the fish market and demonstrated the sophisticated seafood auction in action. This was followed by a tour of the market where the pupils took in the vast array of species that are landed and sold daily.

A tour of pelagic factory Shetland Catch was next on the agenda and the children were given a guided tour of the facilities, where the process from sea to plate for herring and mackerel was explained.

Headteacher, Claire Lawson said: “We had an absolutely brilliant morning – we couldn’t believe what we got a chance to see and learn about. The visit and the whole So Much to Sea initiative has linked in really well with our Food for Thought project. The children came back to their classes and have been busily writing up about what they did. I love how every visit we make changes their job aspirations, everyone is now going to work in the fish market when they are older – or skipper a boat!”

Ruth Henderson commented: “We were delighted to host the bairns from Cullivoe as we had been overwhelmed by their response to the local So Much to Sea event in March. To be able to engage with schools and have the chance to explain how broad and relevant the seafood industry is – with plenty of career opportunities that demand a variety of skills – is very much part of the project. Seeing the children go away enlightened and enthusiastic was great – and we hope they may consider a future for themselves in the industry in the years to come.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Martin Leyland at Seafood Auctions and everyone involved at Shetland Catch for making the morning so informative and memorable.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Please contact: Ruth Henderson, Seafood Shetland, tel: +44 (0)1595 693644 or email: ruth@fishuk.net

Or, Isabel Johnson, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel: +44 (01595) 692465 or email: isabel.johnson@shaw-online.com