For our two local creel fishermen, Titch MacLachlan and Justin Cameron, December's succession of gales posed some serious problems. On average, Titch has only been out about one day a week and, while his creel fleets haven't been lost, many have become tangled - frustrating when prices are at their highest in the run-up to Christmas. A year ago, with the weather cold but calm, the fishing was far better.
On the other hand, with fewer prawns being landed along Scotland's west coast because of the weather, prices have been good, up by between £3 and £4 per kilo on last year. Thus medium prawns which were £12 a kilo are selling at £15, and extra large - of which there aren't too many to be caught - rose from £18 to £21. By contrast, lobster prices haven't risen, staying at around £16 per kilo.
Titch MacLachlan's boat, Sylvia T, is seen here on returning from a day's fishing. His income is 90% prawns, 5% lobsters and 5% velvet crabs. This catch, being unloaded at Mingary Pier, is an exceptionally good one.
This photo shows an extra large prawn, the sort Titch wishes would fill his creels to bursting. The catch is transported to Eyemouth, from where most goes to Spain.The Diary is a great admirer of these two young businessmen, for whom success has only come at the price of hard work in what are often very difficult conditions. May they both have a very successful 2012.
Many thanks to Titch for photos and information.
Is it ever possible to buy such wonderful produce locally ?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. Whenever I come to the west coast of Scotland I'm often disappointed to see how hard it is to buy fresh local sea food (other than in the occasional pub/hotel).
ReplyDeleteShame they go to Spain, and there is no market for them locally or even in this Country.
ReplyDelete