Scalloway seafood business looking to expand

A SCALLOWAY seafood business is seeking to expand with a new building on Blacksness Pier.

QA Fish has submitted a planning application to build a new shed building in the “muckle yard” of the Scalloway pier in a bid to expand its business.

The company said in its design statement that expansion was needed “due to business demand”, with the current buildings “at full operational capacity”.

The building would include a large open working area, with access to the pier, as well as an office, mess room and parking outside.

QA Fish said it had received planning permission for a similar application back in 2021.

With that approval set to lapse next year without construction work starting, the company has submitted new plans.

The building would be constructed on a vacant plot at Blacksness Pier, down the road from Scalloway Castle.

In its application, the company said that though the site was not located within the Scalloway conservation area it was “in close proximity” to the historic castle.

“This will have to be taken into consideration with regards to the design of the proposed building,” it said.

“Careful consideration has been given to the size and positioning of the building on the site with a view to preserving sightlines towards the castle from various vantage points around Scalloway and minimising any impact on surrounding buildings.

“This has been achieved by setting the proposed building back on both the north and east elevations.”

QA Fish is a seafood processing and sales company based in Scalloway, which also owns its own fishmonger in Lerwick too.