Mairi Gougeon will cut the ribbon to declare Aquaculture UK open, and is the first speaker on the conference programme.

Cabinet minister lined up to open Aquaculture UK

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, will open Aquaculture UK in Aviemore next month, event organiser Diversified UK has confirmed.

Published Last updated

The minister will cut the ribbon on the first day of the trade show, which runs from May 3-5, and will then launch a wide-ranging conference schedule.

Gougeon will outline the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Vision for Aquaculture and other initiatives, including a more efficient and transparent approach to regulation and marine stewardship, based on a recent review of the sector by regulatory expert Professor Russel Griggs.

200-plus exhibitors

More than 200 exhibitors representing key suppliers, feed companies, leading technical innovators and start-ups, as well as research institutions and investment platforms, will have a presence at Aquaculture UK, which was last held in 2018. The 2020 edition of the biennial event was cancelled due to Covid.

The focus in the conference tent will be on the advances that have been driving change since 2018.

Aquaculture UK also hosts the Aquaculture Awards, which will be presented at a gala dinner on May 4.

‘An unrivalled opportunity’

Event director Cheri Arvonio said: “Aquaculture UK provides an unrivalled opportunity for doing business, networking and hearing industry updates. We are delighted to announce that the Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, will be there to support the sector.

“Aquaculture professionals have waited a long time for this dynamic show to return and we are confident that this year’s event will mirror the vision, drive and passion of the sector and live up to its reputation as the most important UK based exhibition in the aquaculture calendar.”

Aquaculture UK and the conference programme are free to attend.

Show opening times are: Tuesday, May 3, 12pm - 5pm; Wednesday May 4, 9am – 5pm; Thursday May 5, 9am – 3pm.