Fishmarket

Lerwick Harbour’s replacement state-of-the-art whitefish market has doubled capacity for landings at the Shetland port, already well-established as the second busiest in the UK for handling fish.

The £7.6 million investment brought a range of efficiency and environmental improvements across all activities and is another demonstration of Lerwick Port Authority’s commitment to sustaining and developing the islands’ key industry.

To access the fishmarket, users must complete an electronic induction. Please use the following link to complete an induction which covers both Lerwick and Scalloway markets. Complete the Lerwick and Scalloway Fishmarkets Induction

Benefits include:

Centrepiece of a new fishing industry hub at Holmsgarth.
Greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact and enhanced quality of fish landed and sold.
Four temperature-controlled/chilled bays extending to 1,600 square metres, compared to 726 square metres previously.
A more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly chilling system.
Increased space for palletising fish in a 400 square metre chilled dispatch area.
Quayside water depth and approaches deepened to 6.2 metres, with improved access by sea at all states of the tide.
Extended working area on adjacent, L-shaped Mair’s Pier shelters landing berths.
Investment by Shetland Seafood Auctions in a more versatile web-based electronic auction system for buyers, including a ‘live view’ auction hall.
Improved dispatch of fish for onward transportation.
Modern welfare facilities.

Background

Operational in early August 2020, the development was backed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and finance from Bank of Scotland.

The market marks the final phase in the Port Authority’s £30 million-plus programme to create a modern hub for the sector in the harbour’s Holmsgarth area, increasing coordination and cooperation of activities. The sequence of projects included major dredging and reclamation, building Mair’s Quay, Mair’s Pier, and fishmarket, and associated improvements.

The design was refined in detailed discussions with stakeholders and with input from visits to other UK markets.

The hub approach includes offices for support staff and investment by sector stakeholders, LHD Limited, Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and Shetland Fishermen's Association in their first-floor offices.

The market was designed and project-managed by Arch Henderson and built by local company, Tulloch Developments.