Scottish oysters gaining popularity

Sales of oysters are usually around five tonnes a month. But during the holidays period, the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group (SSMG) received orders for nearly 11 tonnes of oysters throughout the UK – and, interestingly, Switzerland.

Michael Laurenson, SSMG chairman commented: “Oyster farming can be like a military operation. Scottish oysters have to be extremely fresh and we’re working flat out to supply Britain and Switzerland with a healthy luxurious food – superb Scottish oysters.

“As the water in Scotland that the oysters are grown in is always cool, the oysters grow at a slower rate, ensuring a better quality product. Like a fine wine, oysters mature with age when growing.”

The most significant advantage Scottish oysters have over their overseas competition, is that they are always in season. The Pacific Oyster spat is grown in waters along the West Coast of Scotland, which never rise above 18 degrees Celsius - ensuring constant, ideal growing conditions throughout the year.