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Peterhead Fish Fest 2007
08/10/2007
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead today addressed the second Annual Peterhead Fish Fest, emphasising the Scottish Government's support for the Scottish Fishing Industry.
Speaking after his address, Mr Lochhead said:
"I was delighted to address the Peterhead Fish Fest which is recognising and celebrating the town's links with sea and the role the fishing industry has played in the development of the town.
"This follows a productive meeting with UK fisheries held here in Peterhead last week, where I met with my counterparts from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to discuss matters of importance to the whole of the UK fishing industry.
"Scotland's fishing industry has a long and proud heritage and sea fishing has always been at the centre of Scottish rural life. This remains the case today where fishing is the economic mainstay of many of our most remote and fragile coastal communities, bringing them wealth and social cohesion.
"There is a huge potential in our coastal communities which is clearly evident here in Peterhead - a vibrant fishing community and the largest whitefish port in Europe.
"However, fishing communities have been neglected for far too long. I am committed to ensuring that the Scottish fishing industry, and the communities which it sustains, have the ability to thrive and prosper in the future."
Mr Lochhead was speaking at the second Peterhead Fish Fest lunch at the Waterside Inn.
Peterhead Fish Fest takes place from October 8 to October 13, 2007 and is organised by the Peterhead Tourism Initiative. 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the Peterhead breakwater and the Peterhead Fish Fest coincides with Scottish Seafood Week.