James Withers, the new CEO of Scotland Food & Drink, together with Chairman Ray Jones, are heading to Peterhead on Tuesday 4th October for a thorough induction into the Scottish seafood industry.

During a visit hosted by Seafood Scotland, the pair will experience Peterhead market - the largest whitefish market in Europe, go onboard a whitefish and a pelagic vessel to discuss fishing at the sharp end with skippers and crew, and tour whitefish and shellfish processing plants.   Their trip will end at International Fish Canners, where smoking and canning processes will be demonstrated, and company MD Michael Clark will host a lunch.

To put the visit into context, James and Ray will also receive presentations on the environmental issues associated with the fishing industry, the measures being taken to overcome these, and the wider work of Seafood Scotland.  

Libby Woodhatch, CEO of Seafood Scotland said: “We welcome the opportunity to show James Withers and Ray Jones how our industry works, and aim to give them a thorough understanding of the challenges affecting the supply chain. We collaborate closely with Scotland Food & Drink on a number of projects and I believe this visit will help to develop our relationship further.”

James Withers said: “Having come from an agricultural background, I am keen to spend time in the other key primary production sector. Our seafood industry enjoys a reputation for quality at home and abroad. I want to understand the ingredients of that success, but crucially understand the challenges too. My ambition is that Scotland Food & Drink continues to work hand in hand with Seafood Scotland to grow a sector which is so critical to building the nation's reputation as a land of food and drink."