Salmon farmers welcome Shetland Tall Ships return

Shetland salmon farmers have joined forces to support this week’s spectacular Tall Ships’ return to Lerwick.

The industry trade body Salmon Scotland and local fish farming companies, Cooke Aquaculture Scotland and Scottish Sea Farms, are sponsoring the four-day event as Host Port Associates.

Sailing vessels are already arriving in Lerwick harbour as part of a route including Aberdeen, Hartlepool, the Dutch city of Den Helder, and Fredrikstad in Norway.

Salmon Scotland says thousands of people are expected to join in the festivities, as hundreds of young sailors start to arrive on as many as 37 tall ships.

The event will mark the third time the Tall Ships fleet has been hosted in Lerwick after visits in 1999 and 2011.

The tall ships make a return crossing of the North Sea, departing Lerwick on Saturday bound for Arendal in Norway.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland (pictured), said: “Salmon Scotland, Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, and Scottish Sea Farms are delighted to contribute to a wonderful event in Shetland, which celebrates the islands’ geographic importance and all our connections to the sea.

“Aquaculture is a major employer across Shetland and our families look forward to enjoying the spectacle of the world’s tall ships around the Shetland coastline and in Lerwick.

“Previous Tall Ships events in Shetland have been a fantastic experience for all – we know this year will be even better.”

According to independent research commissioned by Shetland Islands Council, aquaculture constitutes the largest sector in Shetland, accounting for 20 per cent of its overall economic output.