SHELLFISH EVENT IN LONDON PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON SCOTTISH MUSSELS AND OYSTERS

Shellfish event in London puts the spotlight on Scottish mussels and oysters. A shellfish event in London, with speakers, including farmers and industry experts, tastings and networking, puts the spotlight on the Scottish mussel and oyster industry, which dates back centuries, to help raise awareness of the health benefits of the nutrient-rich delicacies, the farming process and the communities they protect.

The event, held at Scotland House, was hosted by Kelly Wright, Scottish Farmed Shellfish Ambassador, a role funded by Crown Estate Scotland to help promote Scotland’s farmed Shellfish sector.  It followed a ‘Mussel & Oyster Masterclass’ at Billingsgate Market with the food expert and author CJ Jackson, who has just published her latest book, The Great British Seafood Revival.

It was the perfect opportunity to showcase over 20 shellfish farmers in Scotland, who produce 12,000 tonnes of mussels and 2.4m oysters each year, which provide 13 essential micronutrients, making them a powerful addition to healthy, sustainable diets.

Attendees had the opportunity to taste oysters from the Isle of Mull, Barra, Loch Fyne, Cape Wrath and Ockran Oysters from Ullapool, cooked by Scotland’s Chef of the Year in 2025 and head chef of The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant in Port Appin, and canapés from London’s favourite Scottish café and deli, Auld Hag.

Speakers included Patrick Blow from Cape Wrath Oysters, Tristan Hugh-Jones from Loch Ryan Oysters and Sam Laurenson from Blueshell Mussels, who talked about his ‘rope to plate’ process, sustainable practices and providing employment opportunities for the local community.

Additionally, Baukje de Roos, Professor of Human Nutrition, talked about how mussels and oysters address the gaps in today’s modern diet and how they can help reduce cardio-vascular diseases.

She was also joined by speakers Konstanjca Wosniacka, an Ecosystems Researcher, Loren Hiller, MSC Commercial Manager, UK & Ireland at the Marine Stewardship Council, (MSC) and Sue MacKenzie, President of the National Federation of Fishmongers and owner of The Fish Shop in Camberley.

Kelly said:

“It was fantastic to see Scotland’s farmed shellfish industry celebrated in the heart of London.

“Events like this are a powerful way to share the story behind our mussels and oysters – from the clean waters they grow in, to the coastal communities and family businesses that produce them with such care.

“I’d like to extend sincere thanks to our funding partners Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Fund Scotland, and to Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Shellfish, Associated Seafood, and all of the growers who generously provided product and gave their time to attend and help bring the story of Scottish shellfish to life. Their passion, knowledge and commitment are what make this sector so special, and it was wonderful to see that reflected in the conversations, tastings and connections made during the event.”

Image: Scottish Shellfish