Fraserburgh’s Game-Changer Nearing Completion
New Scottish Seafood Centre of Excellence
By Fish Focus
The Scottish Seafood Centre of Excellence in Fraserburgh is on track for completion by the end of June 2025, marking a significant milestone for Scotland’s fishing sector.
Funded through the UK Seafood Fund Skills & Training Scheme with a £3 million grant, the Centre is designed to rival state-of-the-art facilities in Norway and Denmark. It replaces temporary training setups with dedicated training classrooms, technology demonstration spaces, blended learning infrastructure, and a fire-fighting simulation zone. The facility will also feature EV charge points.
Part of Aberdeenshire Council’s Fraserburgh Regeneration Strategy, the Centre strengthens industry connections with Fraserburgh Academy and local schools—helping to guide young people toward seafood careers.
Overcoming Challenges to Get Here
Initially proposed in 2017, the project faced setbacks due to COVID-19 delays and rising construction costs. A refined, streamlined design and renewed funding have enabled the build to begin in April 2025, with formal occupation and first training sessions slated for early August 2025.
Mike Park, CEO of SWFPA, said the Centre will “bring us into the 21st century” compared to current makeshift setups; he emphasised that the new facility will “project a professional image” and boost sector confidence, with in-person and virtual training accessible nationwide.
The Key benefits include:
- Shared headquarters for SWFPA and its subsidiary, Crew Services Ltd
- Meeting and office facilities for the wider northeast seafood sector
- A venue for high-level fisheries forums alongside community engagement spaces
With construction wrapping up at the end of June, the Centre will open its doors within weeks for pilot training sessions in August.
As the Scottish Seafood Centre of Excellence nears completion, it heralds a transformative era for Fraserburgh and indeed all of Scotland’s coastal communities. With cutting-edge facilities, an inclusive training model and strong industry synergy, the project exemplifies how targeted investment can reinvigorate regional economies and professional standards, ensuring Scotland remains a global force in seafood training and innovation.
Fish Focus will provide full coverage of the Centre’s opening events and first training programmes.