Cooke Scotland Participates in Shetland Tall Ships 2023 Event

Cooke Aquaculture Scotland is thrilled to be a sponsor for the Tall Ships 2023 event in Shetland. As supporters of the host port, together with Scottish Sea Farms and the industry trade organization Salmon Scotland, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the crews in Lerwick from July 26-29. The four-day Tall Ships event includes a festive street parade, food vendors, live performances, and much more, fostering community spirit and providing enjoyable family outings. Our financial contribution will assist the Tall Ships committee in organizing the multitude of events for the 3rd Tall Ships event in the islands. Colin Blair, the Managing Director at Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, expressed his delight in supporting this wonderful event that enhances our global friendships. "Cooke is a significant employer throughout Shetland and we are deeply invested in the communities we consider home. We have seawater locations along the west coast of the mainland as well as off the coast of Unst and Yell. We also manage several freshwater locations in Unst. We hope everyone appreciates the sight of the magnificent ships returning to Lerwick and the onshore activities." The Tall Ships races provide hundreds of young individuals aged 15 to 25 the chance to become sail trainees and sail on the ships as the fleet travels between Den Helder (Netherlands), Hartlepool (England), Fredrickstad (Norway), Lerwick (Shetland Isles, Scotland) and Arendal (Norway). This personal growth of young people aligns with the values of Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, enhancing individuals and communities. Malcolm Bell, the chairman of Shetland Tall Ships, expressed his gratitude for the support of the salmon industry as Host Port Associates for the return of the Tall Ships races. "The local aquaculture industry plays a crucial role in our local community and economy, and its participation in this significant maritime event is greatly appreciated. I would like to extend my thanks to Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, Salmon Scotland, and Scottish Sea Farms for their generous donation." Cooke Aquaculture Scotland has been a supporter of training on the Shetland Sail Training vessel, The Swan, for several years. Constructed as a Fifie herring drifter in Lerwick in 1900, the Swan was part of the large fleet of wooden vessels fishing for herring in the early 20th century. Since 1995, the restored Swan has taken part in numerous Tall Ships Races and traditional boat festivals, including Nordic Sail, and is well recognized among fellow sail trainees. Supporting the Community Cooke Aquaculture Scotland operates over 40 seawater locations in Orkney and Shetland, the rapid waters surrounding the islands are the ideal location to cultivate our exceptional Scottish salmon. As a vital part of the coastal and rural communities where we reside and work, we are thrilled to support a range of locally-led events, activities, and community projects that mirror our corporate values as well as those of our teams. Learn more about our Community Benefit Fund.