Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a series of in-person workshops in Glasgow, Fraserburgh and Oban, each focused on exploring the future of seafood innovation and Scotland’s by-product valorisation journey with the Scottish Ocean Cluster.
What stood out most was the enthusiasm in the room. Stakeholders from across academia, industry and the wider blue economy spoke positively about the opportunity to connect, share ideas and understand how their individual roles contribute to a bigger picture. Many described the sessions as helping them see where they fit within a future cluster model — and, importantly, that there is space for everyone to contribute.
A highlight of the week was the participation of Alexandra Leeper PhD, CEO of the Iceland Ocean Cluster. Her perspective helped ground discussions in real-world experience, demonstrating what clusters can achieve when built on trust, shared ambition and collaboration, while reinforcing that Scotland’s seafood sector requires its own distinct approach.
There was clear support for the creation of a cluster that spans the full industry and stakeholder spectrum, providing a shared space to support innovation, growth and long-term resilience.
The insights gathered will directly inform our planning for 2026 and beyond, particularly around workforce development, infrastructure needs and sustainable sector growth. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped shape these conversations. Stay connected with Scottish Ocean Cluster to hear what comes next.