Shellfish industry still booming

SCOTLAND’S multi-millionpound shellfish industry is continuing to boom, according to new figures.

Processing of mussels has risen by six per cent over the past year, with Pacific oyster shells up by 31 per cent giving the industry a value of £11.7million.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said the latest Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey was “great news for our shellfish growers and those in the supply and processing sector who rely on this world-class produce.”

Mr Ewing added: “Shellfish growing is a significant food and drink success story and these latest production improvements show the real potential for further sustainable growth.

“This is an opportunity encouraged by the first-ever farmed shellfish summit which I hosted last year.

“It is now being taken forward through the Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group.”