The Mack factor

Despite appearing to be a well-oiled event to those present, Mack confesses that there were a number of last minute hitches to overcome.

“The cleaners and security got the dates wrong and so I, my son, Tim Rees [who judged the student presentatons] and an exhibitor hoovered the whole lot for 3 hours before it opened and I patrolled the bloody tent until 3 am, so I was a bit raddled Wednesday,” he ruefully recalls.

“There were so many things which occurred to prevent it, it was a miracle that it happened at all,” he continued, “but exhibitors were effusive in their praise and almost all were very happy.

“Numbers up a wee bit but, as I tell people, the industry is growing but not really employing any more people so annual 10% increases are unrealistic, if not impossible. Despite that many thought the traffic was up and we think there were around 1050 visitors overall, while 420 went to the gala dinner.”

Iain Forbes, director of Fusion Marine, who exhibited at the show, said: “We had a very busy show and there was a large amount of interest in our range of fish farm pen systems, as well as our participation in the exciting H2OCEAN project. Shellfish farmers were keen to find out more about the innovative Ortac Oyster Farming System, which enhances growth rates whilst minimising the amount of time and labour required.

“One noticeable feature was the strong interest in our recycled plastic range for onshore applications. We recently supplied a complete package of decking and outdoor furniture for a Marine Harvest site at Lochailort and this sparked several enquiries at the show from other fish farm operators.”