Scottish Skipper Expo 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Industry

The Scottish Skipper Expo, the UK’s largest commercial fishing event, is renowned for showcasing a huge variety of high-quality products and services from the industry. The 2024 exhibition did not disappoint – from boats to creels, there was something for everyone. 

On Thursday, 9th May, the doors of the Scottish Skipper Expo 2024 opened at the impressive P&J Arena. Eager visitors from all over the UK and the wider European fishing community quickly filled the hall, creating an energetic atmosphere.

The event was opened by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, alongside show sponsors Elspeth MacDonald, CEO of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, and Peter Duncan, Head of Fishing at Peterhead Port Authority.

Speaking of their involvement as one of the main sponsors of the event, Elspeth MacDonald said: “The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) was proud once again to sponsor the Scottish Skipper Expo.. The Expo is a great opportunity for us to speak to fishermen from across the country and to meet with many other organisations working across the sector. We were also delighted to be able to showcase SFF’s ‘Pride In The Seas’ exhibition to a wider audience, and to have Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon sign the Pride In The Seas pledge, as well as making a speech and formally opening the show. Another very well organised event – the Skipper team are great to work with. Here’s to 2026!”

Sponsoring the event for the first time, Peterhead Port Authority’s Head of Commercial Fisheries, Peter Duncan, said: “Firstly, we were delighted to be one of the two main sponsors of the Scottish Skipper Expo 2024. The event was very successful, with a large number of attendees reflecting the confidence within the sector at this time.

“At our stand we had a new innovation this year – a set of 360 virtual reality goggles with footage of several areas of the port including the inside of the fishmarket and the shiplift as a vessel was returned to sea following repainting work.

“It’s not always possible for those who would like to visit Peterhead to do so – with this virtual reality headset we were able to take the Port to the people. Gratifyingly, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon, came to view the footage and was amazed by the experience!”

The aisles buzzed with activity across the two days, as attendees enjoyed meeting with exhibiting companies, friends, and colleagues face-to-face. With over 160 companies from 18 countries, visitors had a unique chance to engage with a range of potential suppliers in person, something online ordering can’t replicate.

The boat display area at the back of the hall was a highlight, featuring a record seven boats on display. Visitors were eager to explore the diverse vessel designs and features. Gerry Smyth from G Smyth Boats praised the event, calling it “a great show for G Smyth Boats.”

Sharon Boyle, Commercial Fishing Manager for show organizer Mara Media, expressed delight at the strong attendance over the two-day event with visitors and exhibitors enthusiastic about conducting business.

“With the show now held every two years and the next one in 2026, it was fantastic to see the lively atmosphere as visitors took advantage of meeting suppliers from around the world. With up to 2,500 attendees, there was a sense of optimism in the fishing industry after some challenging years.

“I want to thank all exhibitors for their tremendous support. After 12 years, the event has become a community, providing companies with a platform to network, collaborate, and conduct business.”

The 2024 Expo also featured the popular Seafood Tasters, hosted by Seafood Scotland. Visitors enjoyed freshly prepared seafood delicacies, including seared scallops, haddock tacos, breaded scampi, butter-basted langoustine tails and Cullen Skink  – a huge hit among all.

Seafood Scotland commented on their participation, saying, “We served delicious Scottish seafood tasters at the Expo, which were enjoyed by everyone from apprentices to experienced fishermen, suppliers, distributors, and Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon, who also signed a pledge to protect and support Scotland’s fishing industry and coastal communities.”

With the next Scottish Skipper Expo to be held on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th May 2026, show organisers Mara Media will review feedback and continue to enhance the show experience for all involved. Check out the Scottish Skipper Expo event page for updates: https://theskipper.ie/scottish-skipper-expo/

Sharon and the entire team invite you all to visit the Irish Skipper Expo 2025, taking place from the 21st to 22nd March in UL Sports Arena Limerick.