At the gracious invitation of Their Majesties the King and Queen, a delegation of women representing Scottish Seafood Association (SSA) businesses was welcomed to Balmoral Castle for a special engagement celebrating Scotland’s world-class seafood sector.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the diversity and provenance of Scotland’s seafood larder, with a curated display of species and products presented on the iconic steps of Balmoral Castle. From hand-dived scallops to responsibly sourced and caught langoustines, along with a selection of whitefish and smoked fish, the selection reflected Scotland’s seafood at its best.
His Majesty, a long-standing advocate for food provenance and rural enterprise, expressed keen interest in the current challenges facing the sector from workforce recruitment and energy costs to export logistics and sustainability of the industry. Her Majesty also engaged warmly with the delegation, taking time to learn about the women’s roles across processing, logistics, and leadership within the industry.
“This was a proud moment for Scotland’s seafood community,” said Jimmy Buchan, Chief Executive of the SSA. “To have our sector represented by such capable and passionate women, and to share our story with Their Majesties in such a historic setting, speaks volumes about the strength and unity and talent in our industry.”
The SSA continues to champion the voices of seafood processors across Scotland, advocating for practical solutions and recognition of the sector’s vital role in food security, rural employment, with national and international trade.
