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The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Choppy seas ahead for Scotland's largest fishing port
It's a trade which can be lucrative — the industry brought in £265 million to the port last year. Yet, it's one which is increasingly under threat. The news that the UK had agreed to a new trade deal with the European Union on Monday has been met with mixed reactions. The wide-ranging deal will eliminate the majority of border checks on agricultural exports, allow British holiday makers to use European e-passport gates, and link the EU and UK's carbon markets. Yet, it will also extend the status quo — allowing EU fishing boats to operate in Scottish waters for the next 12 years. That's a decision which has proven controversial among the fish catchers and processors of the 'Blue Toon'. Peterhead Port landed more than 200,000 tonnes of fish last year. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Peterhead is the closest thing I have to home in Scotland. It's where my mum and family live. So, on a warm Wednesday afternoon, I set out to have a look myself. Parking my car along the harbour wall, I'm reminded of my first visit to the town four years ago. I particularly remember the fishy smell, a visceral reminder of how important the industry is to the people of the region. I walk across the Queenie Bridge to Peterhead's North Harbour. Lunar Fishing, Freezing, and Cold Storage; Jackson Trawls Marine Store; GT Seafoods — evidence of the fishing industry is immediately evident. The port hosts hundreds, if not thousands, of workers; from the iconic Peterhead Fish Market to the scores of small boats which bob in the blue water behind me. Peterhead has a bit of a reputation in North East circles, one which is completely undeserved in my opinion. It is a rough and tumble place, to be sure, but is also home to some of the kindest (and yes, brutally honest) people in Scotland. The Queenie Bridge in Peterhead. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) I speak to a few in the town centre. 'I've seen the headlines, but I haven't looked at the proposals in much detail', a kindly older man, rucksack, in tow, tells me. 'You should go down to the Fishermen's Mission', he adds. 'Definitely go down to Wetherspoons, there are always lots of retired fishermen around there', another pensioner advises. I speak to Jimmy Buchan, a fisherman of forty years who now owns and operates the Amity Fish Company. He's the closest you get to a celebrity in this close-knit town of 20,000, appearing in the BAFTA-winning series Trawlerman, which aired on BBC One between 2006 and 2010. 'It's a bittersweet feeling', he says as his broad Doric brogue crackles through my mobile. 'I now work on the fish processing side of things, but for years, I was involved in catching fish in the North Sea. 'Sure, this deal will make things easier for fish processors, but it will be incredibly damaging to our fishermen.' Jimmy Buchan is the 'skipper' at Amity Fish Company (Image: Amity Fish Company).Buchan tells me that fishermen and women in the region feel betrayed, by one government after another. 'This was the one part of Brexit which was going to benefit us', he notes. 'Scottish fishermen were supposed to have control over their own waters. But now, that is being taken away. 'I was with John Swinney the other day and he told me that the Scottish Government hadn't been consulted at all before the decision was taken.' Buchan says the length of the deal was also a surprise. 'Twelve years is such a long time. I'll be retired by then. I'd understand a deal for two or three years, but twelve is incredibly long.' However, not all local business owners have taken such a dismal view of the deal. Sinclair Banks, the boss over at Lunar, tells me over email: 'You could quote the comment of the French Fishing Chief; 'We couldn't have hoped for better'. 'That's all that needs to be said.' Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: 'Our community is being attacked': Queer Glaswegians to call out Israel during Pride Church of Scotland reaffirms assisted dying stance after 'emotional' debate Scottish 'pipeline pilgrims' cycle 170 miles to highlight carbon capture fears Aberdeen City Council's £1m law bill revealed amidst spate of legal challenges Indeed, for fish processors, the deal is a boon. It will allow seafood to be exported to the continent with greater ease and less cost. Buchan says this still isn't enough. 'Any advantages gained by the fish processing industry will be greatly outweighed by the damage it will do to our fishermen.' 'It feels like Peterhead is being sold out once again.' Conservative Matthew James represents the town on Aberdeenshire Council. He echoed Buchan's comments, telling me: 'Needless to say it was bitterly disappointing to hear the Prime Minister trade away 12 years of our fishing industry. 'This government is persistently letting down our region, I hear of concerns on what the future holds for Peterhead. 'The continued attack on oil and gas jobs, reluctance to commit to future plans for carbon capture & storage and now this news for our fishermen. I too worry what will be left for our town.' Crates laden with tackle for fishing boats at Peterhead Harbour. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The UK government has defended the trade deal. A statement read: '[This] new 12-year agreement protects Britain's fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters, providing stability and certainty for the sector.' The government has also pledged to invest £360m into the fishing industry, which they say will pay for 'new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet, training to help upskill the workforce, and funding to help revitalise coastal communities, support tourism and boost seafood exports'. Back in Peterhead, I continue my walk through the town centre, a route I've grown to know well. I pass Zanre's Fish and Chips, Ewan Morrice Quality Butcher, and Hame Bakery. I pause at the Fisher Jessie statue, across from the Royal Bank of Scotland at the top of Queen Street. The life-size bronze statue, which depicts a 'fish-wife' holding a basket laden with seafood, celebrates the important role of women in the industry. Even now, amidst the changing tides, it remains a poignant symbol of the importance of fishing to this community. Indeed, the sea has sustained Peterhead through the long march of time, weathering tempests, wars, and deindustrialisation. One can only hope it continues to do so.
Press and Journal
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
STARTING XI: Peterhead co-manager Ryan Strachan on his toughest opponent and favourite away ground
It has been quite the week for Peterhead after they were crowned League Two champions so we felt it only right we speak to co-manager Ryan Strachan who helped lead the club to the title for this week's Starting XI. The Blue Toon player co-manager took time out from the celebrations which no doubt will continue after their final game of the season at Clyde on Saturday, to look back on the big moments from his career in our Q&A feature. It was for Peterhead in July 2009 in a Challenge Cup tie. We were playing Cowdenbeath who won 2-1 at Balmoor and I remember starting the game but little else. That's maybe because it was very fast, physical and I struggled to catch a breath. I wondered what the hell was going on basically. It was a far cry from what I was used to in youth and reserve football. Well, I've got to put one as a manager haven't I? Winning League Two last weekend with Peterhead was amazing. I know it's fresh for in my mind, but it is different from being a player. It was an incredible feeling. I'm lucky to have some great memories from playing. I've got a few at Peterhead too but the one that really stands out is winning promotion from the Highland League with Cove Rangers in 2019. It's special for me because I feel like I was one of the first players to come out from the league to help them go up. It felt like I had a massive sway in pushing them getting into the leagues and attracting better players. This is difficult because people are so different. Some are quick, some are good defenders, some are technically good, and others score goals, but I think the most accomplished player I've played with is Fraser Fyvie. He pretty much has everything. He is strong, good on the ball, his awareness is excellent, he can score, can defend and is fit. But I feel as if I have to give an honourable mention here for Rory McAllister. I remember when I was a younger player at Peterhead that I never liked starting a game if Rory wasn't playing. If he wasn't on the pitch, it felt like it had an impact on the team. I remember some really tough days as a young player coming up against Dado Prso. Rory was really tough too when I was really young. Jon Daly was another really tough customer. But in the lower leagues I would have to say David Goodwillie. His movement is really good. He was a handful for any defender to play against. We had good success against his teams because he was never always in the best team, but as an individual, he was very good. It has to be the new kids on the block, the next generation lads like Kieran Shanks and Blessing Oluyemi. All the guys in their early 20s seem to go for the skater punk look. I would like to think I have good leadership qualities, and I'm professional. I've got an intense side but at the same time I can be immature too, so it's a mixed bag. I'm quite hard to get to know. I take a long time to work people out but once I do and they work me out they are in my circle and that's it. It's self-explanatory but spot on. The best players do the simple things well all the time and consistently. I try to apply it in my own game and in the football team. I've got two again. I've played at Ibrox so many times and had success there. The pitch, the atmosphere, the environment, it's been brilliant every time I've been there. But in terms of the lower league, probably East End Park, home of Dunfermline. It's a good grass pitch and a good atmosphere. I felt like I always had a good time going there. I don't really have one of my own. I've scored quite a few belters in my time but I'm not going to pick one of my own because I can't think of a significant one. Maybe my goals came in games which didn't mean much. That's why I'm picking Peter Pawlett's goal which won us the championship against East Fife on Saturday. Being on the other side of things as a manager, the overriding feeling of relief and the significance of the whole thing is hard to put into words. It was the first time we've ever won the league as a management team so I'll never forget that. I'm taking two again – my pals Rory and Jason Brown for sure. I can't split them because we're just too alike. We think the same, we laugh at the same stuff, we're really immature. It wouldn't be dull that's for sure. It's definitely a round of golf. Getting that time away from yourself and not think about things is what I enjoy doing. But I enjoy family walks and enjoy seeing my kids happy. That certainly helps relieve any stress in my mind.
Press and Journal
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Paul Third: Patience pays off for League Two champions Peterhead
What a difference a year makes for Peterhead. A year ago the Blue Toon were left to ponder what might have been after a season which had promised so much turned out to be a fruitless endeavour for the club. A whirlwind start saw them surge clear at the top of League Two, only to finish runners-up to Stenhousemuir before exiting in meek fashion in the play-offs at the hands of Spartans following a 5-1 shellacking in the semi-final second leg at Balmoor. The contrast of the scenes of devastation among the Blue Toon management, players and supporters in May 2024 with the spectacle of unbridled joy at Balmoor on Saturday was impossible to ignore. Almost 2,000 fans packed out the place to watch Jordon Brown and Ryan Strachan guide their team to the championship with a 1-0 win against Dick Campbell's East Fife with a game to spare. While it was dejection a year ago, this time it was sheer euphoria, and one which had been hard-earned by all concerned at the club. Chairman Rodger Morrison and his board took a risk when they put the fate of the club in the hands of two untested rookie managers in 2023. But not only did they hand the reins to the duo, they also backed them in reshaping the club. Perhaps most important of all, the duo were given the chance to show what they had learned after coming up short in their first full season in charge last year. That patience was rewarded on Saturday as the two youngsters held off the challenge of the wily old foxes of East Fife, Dick and Ian Campbell. The champagne flowed all weekend and no doubt there will be a few sore heads among those attached to the club this week. But the celebrations will soon be replaced by forward planning for the new challenges which lie ahead. This season has shown they are everywhere you look. The part-time game in Scotland is becoming an ultra-competitive, unforgiving playing field for clubs – and it's only getting tougher. The days of clubs surviving by virtue of being in the senior leagues is no more. Those who can't keep up are being replaced by hungrier and stronger sides with fierce ambition. Cove Rangers are fighting to get back to the Championship while Kelty Hearts will live to fight another day after securing their place in League One this season. Peterhead are saying goodbye to League Two but Edinburgh City are in the play-off mix as they look to go back up to League One at the first attempt. Elgin City have held off the late surge of Spartans to secure a play-off berth. At the bottom of the table Bonnyrigg Rose have taken their fight for survival to the final day of the season as they try to catch Forfar and avoid a play-off. Lowland League champions East Kilbride are the favourites to reach the final after beating Highland League counterparts Brora Rangers 4-1 in the first leg of Saturday's semi-final. Getting into the SPFL is no mean feat and Cove remain the only Highland League champion to win a play-off final. Add in the fact no club which has dropped out of League Two has made it back yet tells you how competitive it has become. That's why days like Saturday at Balmoor should be celebrated by Peterhead. They are hard-earned and richly deserved – just don't bask in the glow of success too long.
