A highly productive roundtable event was recently held at the Scottish Parliament, bringing together key voices from the seafood and broader business sectors with influential government figures. Hosted with the participation of Karen Adam MSP and Richard Lochhead MSP, the Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade, the meeting marked a significant step forward in fostering direct dialogue between industry leaders and the heart of government.
The event was widely praised for its constructive tone and comprehensive discussion. A broad range of industry challenges were raised, reflecting the complex and evolving landscape facing Scottish businesses today. From workforce pressures to export concerns, the roundtable provided a valuable forum for open, solution-focused dialogue.
This engagement has paved the way for new and ongoing discussions, particularly around the future direction of government policy. The Scottish Seafood Association (SSA), representing one of the nation’s most critical sectors, is now poised to play an enhanced role in advising the government. This collaboration promises to ensure that industry perspectives are at the forefront of policy-making, particularly on matters of trade, infrastructure, and workforce planning.
Adding to a pivotal week for the sector, the SSA was also invited to participate in a separate UK-wide industry roundtable focused on the proposed Migration White Paper – legislation with far-reaching implications across all sectors. In advance of this, SSA Chief Executive Jimmy Buchan held a private 20-minute meeting with the First Minister to candidly discuss how Scotland can maintain and grow its seafood processing capacity. The conversation highlighted the urgent need for inward investment in both people and infrastructure, and the importance of securing a sustainable workforce for the long term.
Reflecting on the week’s developments, Jimmy Buchan remarked, “This has been a great opportunity to start a deeper and more meaningful dialogue with decision-makers. In a week when the UK Government has made a critical decision on trade agreements, we must ensure the Scottish seafood sector is positioned to thrive, not just survive; through collaborative policy, smart investment, and forward-thinking strategy.”
These engagements signal a strong commitment from both industry and government to work together, navigating challenges and unlocking future opportunities for Scottish seafood and beyond.
