Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, has congratulated the NAFC Marine Centre on its ''remarkable reputation'' and during his visit there on 3 March stated that it had ''so much more to offer''.
The Centre was the first port of call for the First Minister on his whistle-stop tour of Shetland, and he was given an introduction to a cross section of activities undertaken to support the development of the islands’ fisheries and aquaculture industries.
The First Minister expressed his delight at being able to visit the Centre, saying: “Shetland’s success is based on its relationship with the sea and the islands are undoubtedly surrounded by some of the world’s most productive fishing waters. It is for these reasons that I felt it was appropriate to visit the NAFC Marine Centre.
“Since the Centre was established 16 years ago it has expanded its activities to achieve a remarkable reputation as an expert in all things marine. It has built a fine track record in qualifications and course completions but, confirmed by what I’ve seen this morning, has so much more to offer. It has a top class facility in SSQC Ltd and is helping to nurture the next generation of Shetland fishermen. The simulator itself is a very impressive teaching resource."
At the Centre’s hatchery, Mr Salmond met with fisheries biologist Chevonne Laurenson who spoke briefly about her work and took the opportunity to point out the variety of species on view in the tanks. He then discussed the Shetland Regulating Order and the Centre’s shellfish stock survey with shellfish biologist Dr Beth Leslie.
The next stop on the tour was the benthic laboratory, where section leader of Marine Farm Services Alan Harpin and section leader of Analytical Services Niall O’Rourke presented an overview of the services offered by Shetland Seafood Quality Control Ltd. Mr Salmond was able to view organisms from the sea and find out more about the tests available for classifying shellfish harvesting sites.
A visit to a classroom of Merchant Navy officer cadets with head of school Jan Rigden gave Mr Salmond an insight into this important arm of the NAFC Marine Centre.
Next, Mr Salmond took the helm of a virtual vessel in the Centre’s state-of-the-art simulator where he steered it into Scalloway Harbour. He then visited the engineering workshop with engineering section leader Duncan Kidson.
Finally, the First Minister addressed a gathering in the foyer which included NAFC trustees, staff and students.
