Shetland salmon farmers have joined forces to support the Tall Ships’ return to Lerwick, part of the Tall Ships Races – a festival held every summer in European waters.
Trade body Salmon Scotland and local companies Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, and Scottish Sea Farms, are sponsoring the four-day event, taking place 26-29 July 2023, as Host Port Associates.
“Aquaculture is a major employer across Shetland and our families look forward to enjoying the spectacle of the world’s tall ships around the Shetland coastline and in Lerwick,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said. “Previous Tall Ships events in Shetland have been a fantastic experience for all – we know this year will be even better.”
Sailing vessels have been arriving in Lerwick harbour on as part of a route including Aberdeen, Hartlepool, the Dutch city of Den Helder and Fredrikstad in Norway.
Thousands of people are expected to join in the festivities, as hundreds of young sailors start to arrive on as many as 37 tall ships.
The event will mark the third time the Tall Ships fleet has been hosted in Lerwick after visits in 1999 and 2011.
The tall ships make a return crossing of the North Sea, departing Lerwick on Saturday bound for Arendal in Norway.
According to independent research commissioned by Shetland Islands Council, aquaculture constitutes the largest sector in Shetland, accounting for 20% of its overall economic output.
Figures from Salmon Scotland show a direct economic contribution from the sector of more than GBP137 million a year in gross value added (GVA). The sector directly employs 470 people and supports 370 suppliers.
