Event: Role of Fishing in Scotland's Rural Economy
Edinburgh, Thursday 26th April 2007
Salmon fishing is poised to deliver a £550m bonanza over the next five years to the Scottish tourism industry. An intensive drive to support salmon fishing as an affordable sport on some of the best rivers in the world is paying massive dividends and contributing an increasing amount to rural economies in Scotland.
That was the message spelled out at a meeting of rural experts, tourism officials and the salmon fishing industry today (Thursday April 26) in Edinburgh. The conference, held by the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG) was addressed by keynote speaker Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland and Andrew Wallace, Director, Association of Salmon Fishery Boards.
Andrew Wallace said: "It is very clear - if we continue to market salmon and the many other types of superb fishing on offer in Scotland as an affordable and accessible sport enjoyed on world class rivers and lochs, we can develop revenues and jobs across the country.
"By harnessing the information revolution, we can take that message globally. Scotland's freshwater fisheries currently form a pivotal part of the rural economy, employing over 2800 people and contributing approximately £113m per year.
"I am confident that this industry will grow over the coming years, contributing £550m over the next five years. If Scotland's freshwater fisheries industry did not exist, it would mean approximately £113m per year going elsewhere. It is crucial that we do not allow this to happen."
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland, said: "Scotland is known as being the historic home of salmon fishing and offers a world class range of angling opportunities for both domestic and international visitors.
"We know that angling is among the most popular activities for visitors to Scotland and our Fish in Scotland brochure and FishScotland website demonstrate to angling visitors that Scotland really is a must visit, must return destination for the sport. Angling has a significant impact on the Scottish economy and will play an important role in helping to achieve our joint industry ambition to double tourism revenues by 2015."
Roddy Jackson, Deputy Chairman, SEBG, said: "Scotland's Estates play a crucial role in salmon fishing. Their progressive approach to environmental stewardship and management provides the pristine rivers and rural environments that make world class angling possible. As we look to the future of the industry, building on our recent successes is crucial. Our competitors certainly are not standing still.
"Scotland still has considerable opportunities to develop wild trout fishing, coarse and sea fishing, all of which remain largely untapped. The potential exists to develop employment opportunities and to grow the freshwater fisheries economy, underpinned by a principle of environmentally sustainable management."
