Following a short trip to the North Sea fishing grounds, trawler skipper Sandy West successfully completed the first landing of 2012 of langoustines (prawns) into Buckie.
Skipper West and his four-man crew of the Fraserburgh-registered trawler Virtuous set off for the Fladen fishing grounds and after finding several good fishing marks was able to land its catch of excellent quality langoustines on 4 January into Moray Seafoods.
Waiting to welcome him on the quayside at Buckie was Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead and local MSP and Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson along with Moray Seafoods’ managing director Victor West.
Mr Lochhead said: "Scotland's fishermen do an amazing job, often in very difficult and dangerous circumstances, to ensure we can enjoy the finest and freshest seafood.
"By landing in Buckie, the prawns can be taken straight to the factory for processing before making their way to the nation's dinner plates.
"Scotland's fish and shellfish is increasingly popular overseas - recognising the high quality of the product - and made up nearly 60% of all Scottish food exports in 2010, with a value of £623 million. So, on behalf of all Scots, I'd like to thank our skippers for their efforts and wish them a successful 2012."
Victor West said: “We are delighted with the efforts of Sandy and his crew, and this first landing provides an excellent platform to ensure Moray Seafoods’ has a successful year ahead. As a business that supports many local jobs, we are totally dependent on our hardworking fishermen, which we always appreciate and respect.”
