Scottish Fishermen's Federation

10/11/2026

A night bringing Scotland’s fishing industry together!🎣

Last week, we welcomed industry representatives, other stakeholders and MSPs from across the political spectrum to the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s Annual Dinner at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh.

It was an insightful evening, after a welcome opening from SFF President Hannah Fennell, followed by speeches from SFF Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald and Fisheries Minister Jim Fairlie SNP, reflecting on the challenges facing the industry and the importance of securing its future.

With the ongoing consultation on inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the evening provided a valuable opportunity to bring decision-makers and industry representatives together, reinforcing the importance of balancing fishing livelihoods alongside marine conservation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.

06/11/2026

Nine in 10 Scots want a balance between preserving fishing livelihoods and marine conservation.🌊

New polling commissioned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation reveals that nine in 10 Scottish adults surveyed agree that jobs, livelihoods and economic growth must be protected when making decisions about marine conservation.

The findings come as the Scottish Government consults on further management measures for inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with significant implications for Scotland’s fishing industry and coastal communities.

Speaking at SFF’s Annual Dinner in Edinburgh, Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald said:

“These findings show strong public support for conservation policies that also sustain fishing livelihoods and food production. Ministers must give those priorities real weight when deciding how our seas are managed.”

This underlines the importance of ensuring marine conservation measures are proportionate and evidence-led, while recognising the communities that depend on Scotland’s seas.

Read the full press release here 🔗 https://loom.ly/VnGX_5I

05/11/2026

What makes Scottish seafood so special? 🐟

In the second reel from our chef video series, we visit The Silver Darling Restaurant in Aberdeen where Head Chef Craig Somers explains why Scottish fish is so highly regarded by chefs and restaurants, not only here in Scotland but in major cities like London too.

For Craig, nothing compares to the flavour of seafood from Scotland’s cold waters - and that reputation is exactly why demand can be so strong beyond our own coastline.

It is another reminder of the value of Scottish seafood, the quality of what is landed here and why it matters that people understand the journey from sea to plate.

The full Silver Darling episode is now available to watch on our YouTube channel 🔗

04/11/2026

We were saddened to hear of the death of Cecil Finn, a Campbeltown fisherman who was president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation from 1993-1998.

Cecil was a lovely gentleman, and those of us who knew him through the Federation remember him with great affection. We are grateful for his service to the Federation and to Scottish fishing.

Our thoughts are with Cecil’s family and friends.

29/10/2026

"The fishing industry opposes Marine Protected Areas!"

False.

Scotland’s fishermen depend on healthy seas more than anyone.

The fishing industry supports effective marine conservation, but decisions affecting coastal communities must be based on evidence, balance and a clear understanding of how each area is used.

Marine Protected Areas are designed to protect specific habitats, species and features. That means management measures should reflect the conservation needs of each individual site, rather than applying blanket restrictions that could unnecessarily affect fishing communities, seafood supply and local economies.

Find out more about SFF’s work and why evidence-led marine management matters 🔗https://loom.ly/IOtJXU0

26/10/2026

For the next reel from SFF’s chef video series, we travelled to Aberdeen to visit The Silver Darling Restaurant and speak with Head Chef Craig Somers. 🎣

In this episode, Craig discusses how Scottish seafood shapes the kitchen at one of the city’s well-known seafood restaurants, and why fresh, locally sourced produce plays such an important role in what they serve.

The reel highlights the relationship between chefs and Scotland’s fishing industry, and the wider journey that brings seafood from sea to plate.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel 🔗https://loom.ly/qe--do4

14/10/2026

@🫀 National Cholesterol Month – Know Your Numbers! 🐟

As a fisherman, spending long hours at sea often means your own health comes second. But high cholesterol usually has no symptoms, and the only way to know your levels is to get checked. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

A simple cholesterol check can help you:
✅ Understand your heart health
✅ Spot risks early
✅ Get advice and support to stay healthy for longer
✅ Keep you fit for work, family and life ashore

❤️ Don't wait until there's a problem. Take control of your health and get your cholesterol checked this National Cholesterol Month. Knowing your numbers today could protect your future.
https://www.heartuk.org.uk/national-cholesterol-month/NCM26

Peterhead
Tuesday 20th October 12pm – 2.30pm Fishermen’s Mission
Wednesday 21st October 11am – 3pm Fishermen’s Mission
Thursday 29th October 10am – 2pm Fishermen’s Mission

Fraserburgh
Thursday 22nd October 10.30am – 2.30pm SWFPA, Kinnaird House
Friday 23rd October 11am – 2pm Fishermen’s Mission
Monday 2nd November 11am – 3pm SWFPA, Kinnaird House
Wednesday 4th November 12pm – 3pm Fishermen’s Mission




SWFPA
Scottish Fishermen's Federation
Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation
North East of Scotland Fishermen's Organisation Ltd
Buchan Inshore Fisherman's Association
NHS Grampian
Aberdeenshire Public Health - North
Life Aberdeenshire
Peterhead Port Authority
Harbour

13/10/2026

Why does Scottish seafood matter for the future?🎣

In the final reel from Episode 3 of our chef video series, we hear again from Ruth Macdonald, owner of The Fisherman's Pier Seafood, as she reflects on the importance of Scottish seafood.

For Ruth, seafood is not just readily available on the island - it is part of Scotland’s past, part of life today and something that will continue to shape the future of coastal communities.

At a time when food security, climate pressures and rising costs are increasingly part of the conversation, Scottish seafood has an important role to play as a natural, lower-carbon food source from our own waters.

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel👇
🔗https://loom.ly/LwiTYUc

13/10/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE MCA

Fishermen and vessel owners across the UK are being urged to share their experiences of dealing with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF), National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) and Northern Ireland Fish Producers' Organisation (NIFPO) have joined forces to launch a UK-wide survey.

We want to hear about your experiences – good and bad. What's working well? What needs to change?

Responses can be submitted anonymously, and the findings will help industry representatives build a stronger evidence base to press for improvements where they are needed.

This is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

Complete the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TF8ZW7V

Please share with fellow fishermen and vessel owners to help us reach as many people as possible.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

13/10/2026

🎣 A GOOD CATCH FOR SCOTLAND’S FISHING HERITAGE!

The Scottish Fisheries Museum has launched The Good Catch Lottery — a new way to support the preservation of Scotland’s rich fishing heritage and the communities behind it.

For just £1 a week, players can enter a weekly draw with the chance to win a top prize of £25,000, while helping the museum continue its vital work.

Proceeds will help support the museum’s Kids Go Free policy, its dedicated volunteers, and outreach programmes that bring Scotland’s fishing story to life for people of all ages.

From our fishing traditions to the people, vessels and communities that have shaped our industry, preserving this heritage matters.

🐟 Find out more and get involved: https://www.scotfishmuseum.org/support-us/lottery

The Scottish Fisheries Museum