The Prince of Wales has described a new state-of-the-art fish market as “a great achievement” as he attended its official opening ceremony.
The new North Bay market building opened in June this year to accommodate the greater quantities of stocks being landed on the quayside at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, the UK’s largest white fish and pelagic port.
It replaces the former market at Merchants Quay and is part of Peterhead Port Authority’s £51 million project to redevelop the harbour.
The prince said he was “very glad” to be able to join everyone in the opening of “this very important new fish market facility”.
He added: “If I may just add my warmest congratulations to all those who played such an important part in building this new development, and above all in delivering it on time and on budget. That I think is a great achievement.
“This new market I’m sure will make a huge difference to, not only the local economy here in Peterhead, but also more widely in this part of Scotland.”
The prince also viewed exhibition stands and meet contractors who worked on the project, fisheries organisations and heritage groups.
He took a tour of fishing vessels moored at the quay.
Fisherman John Campbell met the prince at the event. The 30-year-old from Peterhead said: “He was really nice and put me at ease.
“He seemed like he was genuinely interested in talking to me and asking about the vessel and the job we do.”
It also new has office space and a cafe.
