Seafood Shetland, the body representing the interest of businesses involved in all aspects of shellfish growing and fish processing, is a keen supporter of the Tall Ships event. It will be supporting the Tall Ships by sponsoring the ships’ liaison officer’s kit. Liaison Officers are appointed to each ship to support the crew and provide assistance to them in port.
Seafood Shetland’s chief executive, Ruth Henderson, knows more than most about the organisation of the event. She managed the first-ever visit of the Tall Ships Races to Lerwick in 1999 and recalls the very important role that liaison officers played in that event, going above and beyond the call and contributing significantly to the festival’s overall success.
“One aspect of the 1999 event that Shetland really excelled at was the outstanding welcome that our liaison officers extended to participants and visitors alike,” says Ruth. “Bringing the warmest of welcomes and important local knowledge onboard the vessels really enhanced the trainees’ experience. We made sure that they got the absolute best from their time in Shetland and I’m sure that will be repeated this year.
“The Tall Ships initiative is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to meet new people, make friends, see new places, learn new skills, experience different cultures, and generally have a great time.
“Seafood Shetland is very proud to be supporting the Shetland leg of the Tall Ships Races this year. For centuries our community has relied upon the exceptional wild-caught and, more recently, farm-grown, seafood that supports our economy – resulting in an industry that is now worth more than £400 million. The seafaring and maritime heritage which has shaped the industry we have today is hugely important to us and this is highlighted in our So Much To Sea website (www.somuchtosea.co.uk) and associated initiatives.
“We are therefore delighted to be supporting the Lerwick Tall Ships Races programme through the sponsorship of the Liaison Officer’s kit and we are very much looking forward to the event in July.”