Fishermen bid to reel in political support
An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
Article Source: Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
Last Updated: 26 February 2024 13:22
Pride in the Seas exhibition to debut over three days at Scottish Parliament
Running from 19 to 21 March, “Pride in the Seas” profiles vessel owners, skippers, deckhands, scientists and analysts from Berwickshire to Shetland, with all involved intent on ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
Sponsored by Rachael Hamilton MSP and created by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in partnership with renowned photographer, Ian Georgeson, it’s hoped that the exhibition will provide the sector with an invaluable opportunity to engage with the country’s leading political figures.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “There is always a lot of debate surrounding Scotland’s fishing industry – and that is only right given its role in our economy, culture and society, in coastal regions and beyond.
“What is often overlooked are the individuals at the very heart it. A vast majority of the fishing workforce see it as a calling and, whether a result of family heritage or instinct, want it to be passed on to the next generation in a healthy state.
“SFF’s Pride in the Seas exhibition captures this and through the stories of 12 of these inspiring people offers a chance for politicians and other key figures to have meaningful discussions about securing the future for a brilliant industry that is putting healthy, low-carbon protein on our plates.”
Scotland’s key political figures in attendance will also have an opportunity to sign a pledge in support of Scotland’s fishing communities, to protect against loss of access to key fishing grounds and guard against the creation of new policies without the cooperation, engagement and support of the industry.
The 12 individuals featured in the exhibition will be:
• Trevor Spouse, Skipper in Eyemouth
• Mark Anderson, Skipper, and son Nicol, Deckhand, in Shetland
• Colin Stephen, Skipper in Peterhead
• Mark Robertson, part-owner, and sons Paul and Adam, Skippers, in Fraserburgh
• Willie John McLean, Skipper in Mallaig
• Erin Mackenzie, Deckhand in Mallaig
• Dr Steve Mackinson, Chief Scientist, Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association
• Dr Paul Macdonald, Senior Fisheries Analyst, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation
• Elena Balestri, Senior Fisheries Policy and Science Manager, Scottish Fishermen’s Federation
Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “I’m delighted to sponsor the Pride of Seas exhibition which will showcase the people at the heart of making our fishing industry one of the finest in the world.
“Day and night, many risk their lives at sea and should be commended for putting the outstanding seafood on our plates that we so love and enjoy.
“They are an integral part of creating a modern, resilient and profitable fishing sector underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a prosperous marine environment for the future.
“This event will give my parliamentary colleagues and I the chance to discuss how we can continue to develop healthy marine ecosystems that provide livelihoods, enjoyment, and prosperity to our coastal communities.
“I’m particularly keen to strengthen fishing businesses and enhance their sustainable growth which will bring additional benefits to the UK.”
Following its debut, the exhibition will be available for tour across towns, schools, museums and other public facilities around the country.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation was established to represent a sustainable, prosperous fishing industry in Scotland. It was borne in response to the need for greater political engagement when the UK joined the EU and in adapting to the first oil exploration which saw the proliferation of other activities in the historic fishing grounds of the North Sea.
Fighting for the interests of 450 fishing vessels in Scotland’s fleet, the federation is made up of eight Associations which represent the sector from small creel boats to large pelagic and white fish trawlers.
The full exhibition and case studies are now available to view on the SFF website: www.sff.co.uk/news/category/pride-in-the-seas
Image: L-R Hannah Fennel, Head of Orkney Fisheries and SFF President, Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and Rachael Hamilton MSP, Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement
Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.
READ MORE
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow
Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils
Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.
READ MORE
Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule
Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025
This Sunday sees the arrival of a brand-new community event for 2025: The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way!
READ MORE
Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement
Three powerful performances by internationally acclaimed artists Dan Daw, Cherish Menzo and collective MEXA are revealed, in anticipation of full festival announcement on Tuesday 29th July.
READ MORE
Free travel for Armed Forces Day
First Bus offers free travel to all current serving members, veterans and cadets for Armed Forces Day celebrations across its network.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer
Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MORE
11 year old Rachel Ronnie to take centre stage with the launch of a Busk Stop at Buchanan Galleries
Aspiring young buskers are invited to step into the spotlight and perform to hundreds of shoppers this summer in a safe and welcoming indoor space.
READ MORE
Cast announced for landmark Citizens Theatre homecoming production Small Acts of Love
The Citizens Theatre has revealed the full cast for Small Acts of Love, the first production to be performed on the theatre's home stage in more than seven years when it reopens later this year.
READ MORE
Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...
El Perro Negro is bringing back its cult-favourite Breakfast Club menu. And this time, it's popping up once a month at the award-winning Woodlands Road restaurant - starting 29th June!
READ MORE
Talent shines at 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival
The curtain has closed on the 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival, reaffirming its place as one of the UK's premier and much-loved jazz events.
READ MORE
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg visits Cadder Primary School for special workshop
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg made a special appearance at Cadder Primary School to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links