In an event that is certain to attract a huge amount of interest, Richard Lochhead will take questions from the floor on the independence referendum and how it could affect the future of Scottish fishing.

The Cabinet Secretary will officially open Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 2014 on the morning of Friday 30 May, followed by a tour of the stands. The independence question and answer session with Mr Lochhead, which will be hosted by Bertie Armstrong of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), will take place at 12 noon.

Another focal point of attraction will be the six fishing vessels that will be on display at Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 2014. Anderson Marine of Peterhead, Maver Boats of Crail and G Smyth Boats of Northern Ireland have all confirmed that they will be taking two vessels each to Aberdeen.

The Anderson Marine duo will comprise a Cygnus SFF33 and a Kingfisher K20, whilst Maver Boats will be displaying two catamarans. G Smyth will be displaying a GM 7M and an 8.3m Maxus hull.

Sponsored by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and Mullion Survival Technology, the expo will feature 100 exhibiting companies covering such diverse sectors as marine electronics, engine suppliers, safety equipment, creels, chandlery and deck machinery.

Safety will be a key theme of the expo, with the SFF promoting its initiative to supply a free Personal Flotation Device to every fisherman in Scotland with the correct mandatory certification.

Sharon Boyle of show organiser Mara Media, said: “We have all the ingredients for a really incredible show. We have a record number of exhibitors this year and the interest in the event is huge. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 2014.”

The Skipper Expo Int. Aberdeen 2014 will be held in the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre in Scotland on 30 and 31 May. More information on the event and to pre-register at www.maramedia.ie or contact Sharon Boyle on 00353 86 840 1250.