Wild-caught shellfish processor, Macduff Shellfish, has further invested in its scallop fishing fleet with the acquisition of four scallop boats from Saltire Seafoods.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, enables Macduff to further secure its scallop supply, building greater integration — from the sea to the kitchen — into the business. It forms part of an ambitious plan to double the size of the business over the next three years and follows the acquisitions of Europe’s largest scallop fishing fleet, Dumfries-based Scott Trawlers, at the end of last year and langoustine processing business, Young’s Seafood in Stornoway, in September.
The four-strong fleet bought from Kirkgunzeon-based Saltire Seafoods, and 25-person crew will operate under Macduff Shellfish’s Scott Trawlers subsidiary that currently has six vessels in its fleet. All boats will operate out of Dumfries and owner of Saltire Seafoods Jim Smith and his son Jim Smith Jr. will work with Scott Trawlers on a consultancy basis.
“The acquisition of Scott Trawlers last year was a groundbreaking deal for us, purchasing a whole fleet of fishing vessels for the first time. That brought with it a greater chain of custody — from the sea to the kitchen,” said Euan Beaton, Macduff chairman.
“We will continue to buy from other scallop boats and look to expand our innovative financing scheme to help scallop, langoustine, whelk and crab fishermen fund boat improvements, purchases or equipment upgrades. We have such financing arrangements in place with nine vessels to date and are looking to grow this.
“The health and sustainability of our fishing sector is key for us as we look to expand our worldwide sales through sustainable and profitable growth.”
