First Minister John Swinney visits UHI Shetland

Staff at UHI Shetland were delighted to welcome First Minister for Scotland, John Swinney MSP, to UHI Shetland’s Scalloway Campus.

The visit of the First Minister afforded UHI Shetland the opportunity to showcase the Centre for Sustainable Seafood and the First Minister heard about the Centre’s development of strong relationships and collaboration with a range of key stakeholders who work in the marine environment and their communities. Staff were keen to demonstrate the exciting potential of this research centre with Mr Swinney, and how the Centre will utilise the knowledge and expertise of these partners to co-create research, gather data and inform policy that is grounded in real-world knowledge and experience.

UHI Shetland staff also discussed Shell-volution, fully funded by the UK Government through the Islands Deal. Shell-volution is a £4.4 million Islands Growth Deal project aimed at transforming, and in conjunction with, Scotland’s mussel farming sector. The project aims to create practical solutions for the challenges faced by mussel farmers, whose support and direction is crucial to the project. UHI is the lead organisation responsible for project delivery, governance and oversight in partnership with the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers, Seafood Shetland, Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Crown Estate Scotland, Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre and the Shetland Islands Council. Under the ‘Supporting Growth and Future Industries’ theme, the initiative is strategically aligned with national priorities, including the UK Government’s economic growth mission and the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Mr. Swinney also experienced a demonstration of the upgraded Maritime Bridge Simulator. As the only Maritime Bridge Simulator of its type in the UK, this state-of-the-art equipment is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating training for both new entrants and experienced seafarers, as well as staff within the aquaculture industry. The simulator enhances the sustainability of key maritime industries by providing advanced, accessible training opportunities that improve safety and operational efficiency.

The simulator will improve the sustainability of key maritime industries by increasing access to specialised training opportunities for those in the fish-catching, fish-farming and merchant sectors. By offering tailored training in these areas, UHI Shetland aims to bridge the skill gap and reinforce the capabilities of seafarers, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of these sectors.

UHI Shetland Principal and CEO Professor Jane Lewis commented:

“We welcomed the opportunity to show the First Minister the range of provision offered through UHI Shetland and reflect on the challenges of operating rural colleges. His visit highlights the importance of our educational and research initiatives and the role we play in the supporting the economy and community of Shetland.”

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Innovative institutions like the Centre for Sustainable Seafood at UHI Shetland are helping ensure Scotland’s world-class marine sector continues to be one of our biggest success stories.

“The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with our partners in industry and academia to help the sector thrive and adapt to the impacts of climate change - as championed in Scottish Government’s Marine Science and Innovation Strategy.”