Also in the news / Salmon study, mackerel, WASPI and more…
SCOTTISH salmon now adds £91 million a year to Shetland’s economy, a new study has revealed.
Analysis from BiGGAR Economics for Salmon Scotland shows the sector is one of the most important rural economic engines and a vital anchor for jobs, investment, and supply chain businesses across the islands.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said the report underlines the hard work of farmers, with continued investment driving growth at home and overseas.
Figures show Shetland’s salmon sector generated £36.8 million in direct Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2024, with a further £44.8 million through the supply chain.
An additional £9 million came from investment activity and staff spending, benefitting local shops, contractors, and service providers.
THE END of year Scottish mackerel fishery is said to be progressing well with boats finding an “abundance” of fish that are well spread over a very large area.
Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) chief scientific officer Dr Steven Mackinson and UHI Shetland student Iohara Amador recently joined local fishing vessel Antares (LK 419) on a mackerel trip to see the fishing at first-hand and support the crew in their scientific sampling of catches.
Heading out about 50 miles west of Shetland, the boat found shoals of mackerel larger than they have seen in many years, resulting in the fishing being quick and successful, with the return trip from Lerwick taking less than 12 hours.
A number of Scottish and Dutch boats were also operating in the area, all reporting good catches, with fish covering a range of sizes representing a diverse age structure.
Chief executive of the SPFA Ian Gatt said: “Despite the grim scientific advice calling for a 70 per cent per cent cut in quota for next year, it is encouraging to get first hand reports from the fishing boats that mackerel appears to be relatively abundant this autumn, which is all information that will hopefully get fed into the final decision-making process.”
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that it will look again its rejection of compensation for women affected by changes to the state pension age.
She said: “For years, Liberal Democrats have pushed the Government to fairly compensate WASPI women.
“Reflecting again with all available information is a positive development.”
BEATRICE Wishart has also invited presenter Tom Daley and the team behind the Channel 4 show Game of Wool to visit Shetland.
Beatrice Wishart said it would be great to see them “seriously engage with the skilled and creative Shetland knitting community” following complaints about the first episode of the show.
The programme attracted controversy for its representation of Fair Isle knitting, which was compared to “appropriation”.
In response, Channel 4 said the programme was an “entertainment series”, and that it held Fair Isle knitting “in the highest regard”.
“The contestants were tasked with creating a garment with a modern twist on the Fair Isle tradition that acknowledged and celebrated the techniques.
“We hope the series encourages many to pick up their needles and cast on.”
REGISTRATION is now open for the next Relay for Life Shetland event, which is scheduled to take place at the Clickimin in Lerwick on Saturday 30 May 2026.
The event begins at midday with the lap of honour, led by cancer survivors, with the candle of hope ceremony taking place when it goes dark.
The event is open to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and there is no entry fee.
To enter a team and begin fundraising for 2026 visit here and search for Shetland, or head to the Relay of Life Shetland Facebook page.
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