Wishart highlights importance of Shetland farmed shellfish sector

Beatrice Wishart MSP for Shetland and Scottish Liberal Democrat has today welcomed statistics demonstrating the importance of Shetland’s farmed shellfish sector to Scotland. 

The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024, published today, shows that of the 178 sites that produced shellfish for sale in 2024, 60% are located in Shetland. 

Shetland produced 10,234 tonnes of common mussel for the table in 2024, which accounts for 88% of common mussel production for the table in Scotland as a whole. 2024 had the highest level of common mussel production recorded in Scotland, increasing by 13% on the previous year. 

In Scotland overall, the shellfish farming sector employed 114 full-time and 127 part-time and casual workers during 2024. 60 of these full-time jobs were in Shetland, along with 35 of the part-time and causal jobs.

Commenting on the figures, Ms Wishart said: 

“Shetland’s shellfish production is significant for Scotland, making an important contribution to overall production while supporting local businesses and jobs. 

“Improvements to transport connectivity, including inter-island tunnels and increased freight capacity on vessels to Aberdeen, would support future success in the sector.”

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

The Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024 can be found here.