Scottish oysters back on the menu in Barcelona

There’s a message on the menu for diners eating at the Scottish pavilion at the Seafood Expo Global trade show in Barcelona this week.

A plate of tasty Scottish seafood products includes oysters for the first time since Brexit, signalling the resumption of the export of the shellfish to Europe.

The UK’s departure from the European Union led to a large increase in paperwork for exported shellfish, including the requirement for export health certificates and phyto-sanitary checks.

These problems were exacerbated by delays of lorries at both UK and French borders, and as speedy delivery is essential to maintain the quality of the shellfish, exporters decided that it was no longer viable to ship oysters abroad.

Back in Europe

Since then, delays are much less of a problem, and agreement has been reached between the EU and the UK to end the requirement for phyto-sanitary testing. And although the agreement has not yet been implemented, exporters have decided to once again sell the shellfish in Europe.

The food at the pavilion, organised by Seafood Scotland, is provided by caterer Wilde Thyme, and on Tuesday included Cullen skink, roast scallop, and honey and whisky cured salmon.

Goan monkfish in a langoustine and Label Rouge Scottish salmon curry was prepared by “Scotland’s chef” Gary Maclean.

A French chef will prepare a signature dish today.