A key aspect of a recent upgrade to the Fraserburgh fish auction’s facilities is modernisation of its IT infrastructure, clearing the way for a switch to an electronic auction.
A £490,000 grant awarded in 2024 by the UK Seafood Fund’s Infrastructure scheme has enabled a comprehensive refurbishment of the Fishmarket’s physical facilities. The recently completed project has enhanced hygiene, welfare, and security standards, benefiting buyers, auctioneers, and harbour staff alike.
‘Ports like Fraserburgh must adapt to meet modern demands, and the Harbour’s Fishmarket development project clearly reflects its forward-looking approach. The work undertaken to upgrade these facilities is well received and it is positive to see the Harbour’s aims being advanced via government support,’ said SWFPA chief executive Mike Park.
The Marine Directorate subsequently awarded Fraserburgh Harbour a further £367,000 in November of this year to support digitisation of the auction.
‘Our objective is to safeguard and support Fraserburgh’s fishing industry – our cultural heritage – and these projects will positively impact stakeholders who are reliant upon landing in Fraserburgh,’ commented Harbour Development Manager Pamela Neri.
‘These range from all vessels which choose to land at Fraserburgh and the local auctioneers, to our vessel repair and maintenance cluster which services the boats landing here.’
‘We are pleased to be working in conjunction with Fraserburgh Harbour and Westward Fishing to realise the shared objective of safeguarding Fraserburgh’s fishing industry. As one of the country’s leading fishing ports, it is vital that it continues to develop and provide the infrastructure needed by the fishermen of today and the generations to come,’ said David Cardno of Peter & J Johnstone Ltd.
