West coast shellfish farmersOT win top industry accolades
Scotland’s mussel and oyster farmers descended on Oban last week to take part in the annual Best Scottish Shellfish competition and conference.
The event attracts people from all over the world, with the competition broken down into three categories: native oyster, rock oyster, and mussels.
Lochnell Oysters won this year’s native section, while Isle of Barra Oysters topped the rock category.
Inverlussa, from the Isle of Mull, were again chosen to have the best mussels.
Speaking about the triumph, John Hamilton of Lochnell Oysters said it was ‘superb’ to win, while Gerard MacDonald, from Barra Oysters, said: ‘It is nice to know you are winning against people who are producing good stuff.’ The pair were delighted to walk away with a commemorative plate each.
The two-day event is held in the Corran Halls, Oban, hosted by the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers (ASSG).
The conference was opened by Mairi Gougeon MSP, minister for rural affairs and the natural environment.
Ms Gougeon spoke about the resilience of Scottish shellfish cultivation and the need for a growing, successful industry.
Nick Lake, ASSG executive director, said: ‘Our annual conference is always well attended and brings shellfish farmers and allied industries into the heart of shellfish farming country for two days of lively dialogue, discussion and debate.
‘This also presents the opportunity for policy makers and government to engage with what is a rural and expanding sector with proven potential to contribute to the economic success of coastal communities and safeguard the marine environment.’
Over the course of the event, a number of speakers took to the stage, such as Ben Wright, who brought the first day to a close, fresh off the back of judging in the shellfish competition, speaking about his successful mission to reignite Britain’s historic love affair with the oyster – his restaurants now serve more than 250 tonnes every year.
The conference also features a number of trade stands, with many local companies represented.
One vital organisation in attendance was the RNLI, which benefited from £670 raised by way of a raffle.