RBS backing for £2.1m scallop vessel underlines fishing sector optimism

Built by Parkol Marine Limited in Whitby, the boat is the eighth vessel in The Star Fishing Company with and John MacAlister Oban fleets, which specialise in scallop fishing around the UK.

The Summer Rose will follow a seasonal pattern of fishing around Scotland, regularly landing into ports such as Campbeltown, Mallaig, Scrabster, Fraserburgh and Oban.

The vessel reflects the success story of The Star Fishing Company – a partnership formed between John MacAlister Ltd and Seafood Ecosse Ltd in late 2003, although the relationship goes back more than 40 years. Combined, the firms employ a team of 49 staff – seven onshore and 42 working on the firm’s fleet across the UK.

The boat is designed to be fully compliant with governing body Marine Scotland’s initiative to encourage sustainable fishing, and represents the owners’ continuing commitment to regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing. The presence of cameras on either side of the boat allows the skipper to monitor the number of dredges in operation – meaning the vessel can operate in traditional inshore scallop grounds.

John MacAlister, managing director of The Star Fishing Company, said: “We’d like to thank Parkol Marine Limited in the construction of the Summer Rose – a state-of-the-art vessel designed for sustainable, efficient fishing around the UK.

“Royal Bank of Scotland recognises the fundamental strength of Scotland’s fishing sector and has been instrumental in helping us grow the fleet over the past 30 years, supporting the construction of four new vessels and various other boat purchases.”

The launch of the Summer Rose further underlines the current optimistic outlook for Scotland’s fishing industry.

Lindsay Smith, relationship director at Royal Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking in Inverness, who has worked with John for more than 22 years, said: “The Star Fishing Company’s investment in the Summer Rose is reflective of a much wider optimism in the sector, with many operators looking to modernise and invest in their fleets to create a sustainable future for the industry. We wish John and his excellent team the best of luck as they introduce the new vessel into their fleet.”