Fish Index — UK, Ireland & Nordic Fish & Seafood Industry Directory
Scotland is a significant European source of high-quality crab, particularly brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and velvet crab (Necora puber). Its cold, clear waters provide an ideal habitat, contributing to the sweet, rich flavour prized by markets across Europe and Asia. The Scottish crab industry is vital to many coastal communities, supporting local economies and maintaining traditional fishing practices.
Key landing ports for Scottish crab include Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Scrabster, with processing facilities often located nearby to ensure freshness. Companies like Macduff Shellfish (part of Clearwater Seafoods) play a major role in processing and exporting, with a substantial portion of the catch destined for live and processed markets in Spain, France, and China. The industry provides significant employment in rural areas, from fishing crews to onshore processing staff.
Isle Of Islay, Scotland