I'm a 21-year-old woman working as a FISHERMAN – it's bitterly cold & tough but I love it

Scottish Sun

12-05-2025

She scooped the top award at a glam ceremony
ANY-FIN IS POSSIBLE I'm a 21-year-old woman working as a FISHERMAN – it's bitterly cold & tough but I love it
A 21-YEAR-OLD woman is breaking down stereotypes in the male-dominated fishing industry after being named Trainee Fisherman of the Year.
Brooke Lamond, from the Isle of Skye, has proven herself more than capable in the demanding world of fishing, earning the prestigious accolade at the Fishing News Awards.
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Brooke Lamond scooped the top award at the Fishing News Awards
Credit: Facebook
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She was named Trainee Fisherman of the Year
Credit: Facebook
Her love for the sea began at just eight years old, joining her father on boat trips from their home in Glasnakille, South Skye.
After finishing school, she returned to the industry, securing a position on a boat catching shellfish.
Speaking with BBC Scotland News, Brooke told how she proudly identifies as a "fisherman," explaining, "I feel like that's the name of the job role."
She said: "It's great to be able to say, 'I can do that, and it doesn't matter that I'm a woman, it doesn't matter who you are.'
"I've had that mindset since I was young.
"My dad's disabled, so people would often think, 'surely he can't do fishing.'
"It was tough hearing people say I wouldn't manage it. But I always knew in my heart that I could."
Brooke grew up immersed in the world of the sea as the granddaughter of a boatbuilder and daughter of a fisherman.
She now works in creel fishing alongside local skipper James Robertson on his boat off Elgol, Skye.
Reflecting on her journey, she said: "My dad's been fishing for over 40 years now, so I suppose it was always in me.
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"Because of the type of fishing he does, we'd be away for days at a time, sometimes a week.
"It was nice because it gave me that time with him. It's very different from the fishing I'm doing now.
"I needed a job through the winter last year, and I never thought fishing would be an option for me, but it just fell into place and worked out well.
"At first, it was really hard because I was the only woman here," she admitted.
"And my back was quite bad.
"But you adjust quickly because you do it day in and day out.
"As long as the weather's on your side, you're out as often as you can."
During the harsh and cold Hebridean winters, Brooke spends up to 12 hours a day at sea, catching fresh prawns, lobsters and crabs, which are then sent to markets in Spain and France.
In the summer, she also helps with tourist boat trips on Skye.
However, what matters most to Brooke is inspiring other women to see that success is achievable in a male-dominated industry like fishing.
She added: "The most important thing for me is that people know women are out fishing.
"And you need more men like James, who wouldn't think twice about hiring women, because many still think it's a man's job."