Last week the Scottish Government announced that they will promote Scottish seafood as a premium quality product with a funding package totalling £700,000.

Richard Lochhead, the Rural Affairs Secretary, made the announcement on a visit to Peterhead. Lochhead believes that the package will further solidify Scottish seafood as amongst the best in the world.

“Scotland’s seafood sector is already one of our great strengths and Scottish seafood has already achieved much in building its reputation as a product renowned the world over for its pristine quality.

“I’m fully behind the industry as a whole to take these actions forward, and to that end I am pleased to confirm government investment of £700,000 between now and March 2015 to underpin this plan.

“This plan places sea food firmly where it belongs – as an integral and central part of the success story which is Scotland’s food and drink sector. I’m confident it will build on this strong base to achieve an ever more sustainable and profitable seafood sector,” said Lochhead.

Ian MacSween, chair of the Scottish Seafood Partnership – an organisation that is made up of representatives from processing, fisheries and aquaculture industries and has already identified a total of 6 important areas which need focusing on to further improve the market reach and reputation of the industry – said that the plan will strengthen the sector.

“The Scottish seafood sector is delighted that our Food Minister Richard Lochhead is committing to a plan which we believe strengthens the future, and the potential, of one of Scotland’s oldest industries.

“The successful implementation of the recommendations in this report are so important to the entire seafood supply chain and we now have the opportunity to work together and push this crucial industry forward.”

Highland Bay Seafoods often comments on relevant industry research and news. A representative for the company responded to the news positively, believing that the package will have positive benefits for the seafood sector and Scotland as a whole.

“This news is highly positive for the Scottish seafood sector and should see the industry go from strength to strength.

“The seafood sector has always been one of the country’s strongest sectors and this funding package will help companies at all levels, from processing to fisheries, and commercial, retail and home shopping sellers like us.

“As a country we’re already recognised around the world for our fresh and delicious gourmet quality seafood and that reputation is only going to grow with more government support.”

Highland Bay Seafoods is a Scottish seafood company with an impressive selection of home shopping, retail and wholesale products. They supply award winning gourmet seafood in the UK and around the world. For more information on the company and their services, visit their website at www.highlandbayseafoods.co.uk.

Contact James Eckersley for quotes on 0844 397 0044.