With the Irish Skipper Expo fast approaching we’d like to highlight the strong Scottish presence at the event.
As the Skipper Expos are now biannual, rotating between Irish and Scottish shows, we wanted to ensure a space at Limerick for our loyal Scottish exhibitors and readers who attend the Aberdeen shows. This is the only commercial fishing show this year in both Ireland and the UK, so don’t miss the chance to see your favorite Scottish companies. Among our impressive line-up of exhibitors, we have the likes of Peter Bruce, Jackson Trawls, and Thistle Marine Services.
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 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 theirshops.
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.
