As the Skipper Expos are now biannual, rotating between Irish and Scottish shows every two years, we wanted to ensure a space for our loyal Scottish exhibitors who attend the Aberdeen shows. We believe it’s important for the fishing industry to come together under one roof, and with the Irish Skipper Expo being the only commercial fishing exhibition in Ireland & the UK this year, it’s a key opportunity for Scottish companies to reconnect with their customers in a face-to-face setting.
We’re excited to welcome 7 Scottish-based companies to Irish Skipper Expo 2025. Highlighting the extensive line up we have to offer, exhibiting at this year’s show are Scottish companies, Peter Bruce, Jackson Trawls, Thistle Marine Services. Gael Force, Marine Design International, Caithness Creels and Charity & Taylor .
PBP Services
Peter Bruce (Patsy) of PBP Services has recently acquired a large quantity of Gemini and Kingfisher hull moulds, formerly owned by well-known boat builders Anderson Marine of Peterhead. Peter’s sons, Jonathan, Matthew, and P.A. Bruce who now help run PBP Services, will be now at the forefront in expanding into a new market for the successful 56-year-old company.
PBP have also purchased the Le Dreizen net and gear hall at Fraserburgh Harbour. Although PBP has vast experience in fibreglass repairs, they have never built a complete boat. However, they have hired experienced boat builders and laminators, and if needed, any fabrication work will be carried out by coded welders at PFW.
PBP is also involved in engineering and electrics, and can arrange local specialist companies to work alongside in completing new projects.
“We’re busy with our blasting and painting services, but after being pushed by my three sons, we decided to purchase the moulds,” said Peter Bruce. “Initially, we thought about renting them out or even selling them. However, due to the current depressed market and lack of interest from other boat builders, we saw this as a good opportunity to expand and build a business for the future. This will complement our existing business and leverage the strong connections we have in the fishing industry.”
Jonathan Bruce commented, “The old man needed a bit of pushing, but we eventually worked our magic, and he agreed with us. Although there may be a downturn in the small boat building market right now, our goal is to invest in the industry for the future and keep the small boat building market alive in our area to provide local employment.”
Jackson Trawls
Also exhibiting at Limerick is Jackson Trawls. Jackson Trawls Ltd. is the leading independent commercial fishing net manufacturer in Northern Europe.
Part of the Hampiðjan Group, Jackson Trawls operates from Peterhead and Fraserburgh with modern facilities and an experienced workforce, providing high-quality products and excellent after-sales service.
They offer a variety of prawn trawls, including original double bag, quad rig, and twin trawls, as well as whitefish trawls, seine nets, mackerel, herring, and blue whiting trawls and brailers. Additionally, they supply the full range of trawl warp wire and bridle sweep wire, as well as marine safety equipment and a range of marine supplies in their shops.
Thistle Marine
Thistle Marine Ltd, established in 1978, has over 47 years of experience in the hydraulic industry. They specialize in service, manufacture, and installation of deck and trawl equipment for the fishing industry.
Thistle Marine has a close association with the commercial marine fishing and offshore oil and gas industries, operating on an international scale. Their in-house machine workshop fabricates to specification, and their Thistle Lift Cranes are manufactured on-site. Thistle Marine is the UK agent for Guerra Cranes, which they stock in a wide range at their Peterhead depot.
Gael Force
Gael Force has been a long- standing exhibitor at the Scottish Skipper Expo, having attended for over 10 years. Douglas Bowman, Gael Force told The Skipper: “Now that the Skipper Expos have moved to biennial events, we didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to support our customers and the fishing industry. We haven’t exhibited the Irish Skipper Expo for many years, although some of our colleagues attend as visitors, therefore we are delighted to have a presence in Ireland this year.
Our roots are firmly established in the commercial fishing industry and the Skipper Expo offers another chance to engage directly with our customers, listen to their needs, and understand the challenges they face. This invaluable insight helps us refine our product offerings and ensure we continue to meet evolving demands.
We are committed to supporting the industry’s long-term success, and events like this enable us to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and on this occasion, seek opportunities with other businesses to represent us in the Irish market. Our team will be on hand to offer expert advice, discuss product developments, and demonstrate how our solutions can enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability and present economic gains for fishing businesses.”
Marine Design International
Ireland has always been an important market for MDI, there are numerous ambitious owners and operators looking to get the best out their vessels and develop more capable or efficient designs. As a small business we are able to work well with smaller owners and operators in understanding their specific needs as well as the Irish sector and regulatory framework. Having attended the Skipper show since inception it has provided a platform for us to chat over ideas with new operators and keep up with existing clients and their changing needs.
Charity & Taylor
Charity & Taylor (Electronic Services) have a network of offices and agents covering the whole of the UK with Navigation & communication sales and a network of agents covering Ireland mostly with our Starlink and VSAT sales. “Being part of the Global Aage Hempel Group based in Spain we have access to all the main marine navigation and communications manufacturers. We are also approved Starlink Resellers through our Group owners Grupo Arbulu where our total Starlink group sales are growing at a considerable rate. We also have a large VSAT network on fishing vessels and work boats.”
Charity & Taylor can supply leasing and rental pricing as required. Over the years Charity & Taylor have done numerous vessel refits, new builds for all navigation and communications equipment manufacturers. C&T are also approved Radio Surveyors for MCA, LR, ABS, DNV, RINA, BV.
Caithness Creels
Purchased in 2021, Caithness Creels has since expanded under the leadership of new owner Callum Shearer. The company has been a regular exhibitor at the Scottish Skipper Expo in Aberdeen, and this year, they will be making their debut at our show in Limerick this March. “With former success from the Scottish Skipper Expos over the years, we’re looking forward to be in front of industry once again and connecting with our Irish market in person for the first time,” said Caithness Creels Owner, Callum Shearer.
On display will be 20 creels and creel samples, tailored specifically for the Irish market. With a growing team of 22 employees, Caithness Creels has been busier than ever, offering a wide range of products, including parlour and prawn creels, chandlery – guaranteed quality gear from some of Europe’s largest manufacturers.
Visitor Registration Now Open
Visitor registration for the Irish Skipper Expo is now open. Sign up today to avoid long queues! We look forward to seeing many new faces and welcoming supporters of the industry.
