Lerwick Port Authority won the 2007 Fishing Port of the Year award at a ceremony in London on Friday evening. The annual Fishing News Awards are organised by Britain's leading weekly fishing newspaper, the Fishing News.
The award benchmarks good practice recognising excellence in service and amenities found at ports and harbours throughout the UK and Ireland.
Lerwick was one of four finalists short-listed for the award, the others being Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commission, Peterhead Port Authority and Plymouth Sutton Harbour Fisheries.
The evening’s main award of Young Fisherman of the Year was won by John Bremner of Fraserburgh, Skipper of the ‘Sunlight Ray’. Other awards presented were for Fish Promotion of the Year, Fishing News Personality of the year, Safety Award and Technical Innovation.
Port Authority Chief Executive, Sandra Laurenson, said “We were absolutely delighted to collect the Fishing Port of the Year Award at our first attempt. This accolade is testimony not only to the hard work and efforts of our own staff, but also to the many other companies and organisations involved in the fishing industry here in Shetland.”
Port Authority Chairman, Brian Anderson, added “Lerwick Harbour has a long tradition as a fishing port and the Port Authority prides itself on being able to keep pace and respond to the needs of the Industry as changes occur. Following the challenges faced in recent years, we face the future with confidence that Lerwick will remain a key fishing port serving the white fish, pelagic fish and fish meal sectors for many years to come.”