Scottish Skipper Expo
7 & 8 MAY 2026
Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am – 4pm
P&J LIVE EXHIBITION ARENA
BIENNIAL EVENT FROM 2024
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.
Latest News
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Information
2026 Booking Form - Stand Costs
Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Booking Form
Click the Booking Form below to find details on stand costs, schedule of events and show cancellation policy.
2026 Stand Sales will officially begin from 1st June 2025.
Exhibitors from the previous show will be offered first refusal on their stands for a limited time.
For new exhibitors, please contact Sharon directly to secure your space on our Stand-By list.
Sharon Boyle (Commercial Fishing Manager)
T: +353 (0) 74 9548037
M: +353 (0) 86 8401250
E: sharon@maramedia.ie
Online Booking Form - New Exhibitors Only (approval based on availability)
Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Stand Application
2026 Exhibitors' Manual
Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Exhibitors Manual
Click the Exhibitors Manual below for reference only to find details of the previous show.
Stand 2026 Sales will officially begin from 1st June 2025. Exhibitors from the previous show will be offered first refusal on their strands for a limited time. For new exhibitors, please contact Sharon directly to secure your space on our stand by list
Sharon Boyle – Commercial Fishing Manager
M:+355 {0} 86 8401250
E: sharon@maramedia.ie
P& J Live - Show Venue
SHOW VENUE
P&J Live, East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX
https://www.pandjlive.com/
P&J Live is Scotland’s brand new, state-of-the-art events venue, and the new home of Scottish Skipper Expo.
LOCATION
The venue is located close to Aberdeen International Airport, six miles northwest of the city centre, and just a few short minutes from the city’s new western peripheral route. You can reach the venue using a range of transport options.
Directions – click here.
2026 Special Accommodation Rates
We have secured special rates at the following hotels for Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 – see below.
Douglas Hotel
20-minute drive from Show Centre
43-45 Market Street, Aberdeen AB11 5EL
The hotel is located in the heart of the city centre, an independently owned business our experienced staff will do everything to make your stay in the Granite City a truly enjoyable experience. Located onsite is Molly’s Bistro, open daily serving fresh local produce and tasty daily specials. Malones Irish Pub, our very own lively corner of Ireland, showing Live sports and Live music.
Tel: 0044 (0)1224 582255
Email: reservations@aberdeendouglas.com
Quote: Skipper Expo at time of booking
Single Room: £ 70 per night Bed & Breakfast
Double/ Twin Room: £ 90 per night Bed & Breakfast
Executive Double Room: £ 110 per night Bed and Breakfast
Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th & Friday 8th May Only
Hilton Hotel
Next to Show Centre
East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen AB21 9FX
Click here to book special rates for Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 – Hilton Aberdeen TECA – Skipper Expo 2026
Tel: 01224 984111
Please email: reservations@hiltonaberdeenteca.com
Single Room: £130 per night
Double Rooms: £142 per night
Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th & Friday 8th May Only
*Limited number of rooms on this offer,
Aloft
Next to Show Centre
Gough Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen AB21 9FX
Click here to book special rates for Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Aloft Aberdeen TECA – Skipper Expo 2026
Single Room: £110 per night
Double Rooms: £120 per night
Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th & Friday 8th May Only
*Limited number of rooms on this offer,
2026 Show Floorplan
Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 Floor Plan
Previous show plan below for your reference only.
Stand sales for the 2026 show will begin from the 1st June 2025.
Exhibitors from the previous show will be offered first refusal on their stands for a limited time. For new exhibitors, please contact Sharon directly to secure your space on our Stand-By list.
Sharon Boyle – Commercial Fishing Sales Manager
Email: sharon@maramedia.ie
Mob: 00353 (0)86 8401250
2026 Show Reception
2026 Show Reception Details
Venue: Douglas Hotel Aberdeen
Date: Thursday 7th May from 7.30pm to late
See our Accommodation tab for special Rates at the Douglas Hotel
Thank you to our previous Show Reception Sponsors, Commercial Oils, Sunderland Marine and Yanmar.
The previous event was sponsored by Commercial Oils (Certas), Sunderland Marine & Yanmar, with fresh seafood prepared by the excellent catering team at the Douglas Hotel.
The 2024 event also saw Glasgow based family group, Atlantic Reel taking to the stage to entertain the crowd, with strong Irish roots, the talented group had the Douglas Hotel buzzing throughout the night.
The Show Reception was open to all exhibitors and their guests on an invite basis.
Our 2024 Show reception – Thank you to our sponsors
List of Exhibitors - for reference only
Scottish Skipper Expo 2024 List of Exhibitors – For Reference Only
This list of exhibitors was compiled by Mara Media with permission from the individual exhibitors. This list is the exclusive copyrighted intellectual property of Mara Media and is reproduced here for informational purposes only. Any unauthorized commercial use or reproduction of this list, including soliciting exhibitors or representing yourself as an agent of the trade show is prohibited and may subject you to civil and criminal liability.
Full list of your 2026 Exhibitors will be released in early May 2026.
Report - Show Statistics & Feedback
Click on the image below for a copy of the post-show report from the 2024 Scottish Skipper Expo.
Promotional Material
Promotional Material for Exhibitors attending Scottish Skipper Expo 2026
We have put together promotional material that exhibitors can use across your social media accounts and website, to inform your customers and partners that you are attending Scottish Skipper Expo 2026
*Tip – Click on the image and right click ‘save image as’ to download.
Scottish Skipper Expo Logo
Save the Date Asset
Your Official Souvenir Showguide
Your Official Souvenir ShowGuide Available Below
Click on the Image Below to See Scottish Skipper Expo 2024 Exhibitor Show Guide
Contains Full A – Z details of over 160 companies from 18 countries who took part in the 2024 show.
For Advertising Opportunities in the guide: contact Sharon for more details.
Full page: € 400 or Half Page: € 295
Advertising Deadline for your 2026 Guide – March 2nd
Show Advertising & PR Service
Show Advertising in The Skipper & Your Official Souvenir ShowGuide
These are the only official publications that will be on full display and distributed at the show. Don’t miss out on this opportunity where you as an exhibitor can avail of a 10% discount on advertising as a thank you for your support.
The Official Souvenir Show Guide – with over 2,000 copies distributed on site, this guide will also be circulated to our full database of over 11,000 subscribers in advance of the show. Your guide will also go live on our show website where it will remain until the next event as a source for industry. Advertise in this guide and elevate your presence to the industry in this Souvenir Booklet. We will also share a link across our 78,000 social media followers in the lead up to the show. Click here to view your previous guide.
Discounted Prices as follows: deadline March 2nd 2026
Full Page : € 360 (148mm x 180mm) or Half Page € 265 (148mm x 90mm)
The Skipper – Established in 1964, The Skipper has grown into Europe’s leading commercial fishing industry publication. We sell on average 4,500 copies each month with bonus distribution at the show. Your Special Show Issue (May 2026) will be in shops and available to our digital readers from very early May, giving industry the opportunity to plan their visit to the show. Copies of this issue will also be made available for visitors and exhibitors to the show.
Exhibitor Discounted Prices as follows: deadline for May 2026 Show Bumper Issue – April 1st 2026
Full Page: € 1134 or Half Page € 688
Quarter Page: € 472 or Eight Page € 238
*More on our media pack – click here
Show PR Service
Mara Media can provide a free PR service to Exhibitors at Scottish Skipper Expo 2026 .
Your press release will appear on the ‘Latest News’ Section of the shows website and across our Social Media sites.
It will also be considered for our monthly publication ‘The Skipper’ Show News Section and in our E-Newsletters which are sent monthly to over 11,000 subscribers.
Our team may contact exhibitors in the lead up to the show or you can reach them using the details below.
Sharon Boyle – Commerical Fishing Manager
Email: sharon@marmedia.ie
M: 00 353 86 8401250
Exhibitor Warning
We would like to remind all our Visitors and Exhibitors that we take your privacy very seriously. Unfortunately, our exhibitors are often approached from various scam companies offering listings, advertising and/or accommodation in the lead up to our shows.
Mara Media strongly advise you, to be extremely vigilant against bogus organisations who do not represent our company. If in doubt always contact us before signing forms or engaging in conversation.
Mara Media does not permit third parties to undertake unsolicited mailing to our customers and we do not pass on your contact details.
Attending the Skipper 2024 Exhibition was once again a fantastic experience for Fraserburgh. We had valuable conversations with customers and explored exciting new opportunities. Sharon and her team did an outstanding job organizing the event, making it essential to our calendar. We’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again at the 2026 show!
This was our first time at the Expo and the organization was phenomenal as a charity we weren’t sure what to expect but everyone made us feel so welcomed and part of it, can’t wait to be back again at the next event
Brdr Markussens were an exhibitor at this year’s show and overall the show was a resounding success for us. We had the opportunity to meet both current and potential new customers over the course of the two days. A fantastic show over the course of the two days.