SSA HOSTS VISIT BY MP TO PETERHEAD FISHMARKET

SSA hosts visit by MP to Peterhead fishmarket

The Scottish Seafood Association (SSA) hosted a visit by Harriet Cross MP to Peterhead fish auction on Friday 18^th Oct.

Harriet Cross is the new MP for Gordon and Buchan, the neighbouring constituency to Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.  She was keen to meet with the SSA and to learn and understand the challenges the industry faces.

Jimmy Buchan CEO of SSA said it was a great way to share industry issues first-hand so that MPs like Harriet Cross can gain an insight into the challenges the sector faces.

After a brief tour of the market, a more in-depth discussion was held, outlining the everyday challenges of seafood processing.

Jimmy Buchan said: “We are always keen to engage with the politicians and to ensure they are aware of rural Scotland’s issues which can sometimes differ from other parts of the UK.  Food security is very much a top priority and therefore engaging and educating our MPs from all political parties is an integral part on championing our sector’s future.”

Harriet Cross said that the trip was very informative in understanding the key challenges of access to labour both now and into the future, as well as the importance of investing in infrastructure and innovation, along with skills and communities in rural Scotland.

Jimmy Buchan added: “North-east Scotland plays a significant part in our global and national seafood supplies and therefore Governments and opposition parties must be kept abreast of the challenges and key requests of the industry so that we can compete and prosper in the supply chain. Supporting our circular and wider economies are key to future growth, which is why it is so important to ensure challenges faced by the industry are at the forefront of our daily tasks.”