Seafood Species

From the crystal clear lochs of the Highlands to the coastlines of the Scottish Isles and the fishing communities of the Lowlands, Scotland is tied to the sea and its bounty. Scotland lies where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream meet the cold waters of the North Atlantic, creating nutrient-rich feeding grounds to support a thriving marine habitat. With Europe’s longest coastline, over 11,000 miles, it ranges from long, shallow beaches to rugged inlets and sheltered high tidal sea lochs, making it possible for a wide variety of species to grow.

Seasonal Availability By Month

Widely Available
Variable Availability
Prime In Season

Oil Rich Fish

Scottish Salmon
RSPCA Freedom Foods Accreditation
Label Rouge Accreditation

Scottish Salmon

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Farmed in the cool, clear waters of the Highlands and Islands, sustainably farmed Scottish salmon was named ‘best farmed salmon in the world’ in a poll of international seafood buyers. Scottish farmed salmon has held the French government’s top quality award, Label Rouge, for 20 years. It was the first non-French food to receive this accolade. Atlantic salmon from Scotland includes fresh, frozen and smoked products. Delicately flavored flakes of Scottish salmon can be used for carpaccio, sushi, sashimi or cooked in a variety of ways.

Scottish Salmon
Scottish Trout (Steelhead)
RSPCA Freedom Foods Accreditation

Scottish Trout (Steelhead)

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Scottish farmed steelhead trout is produced both in freshwater and sea lochs. High in Omega 3 and many other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium, it has a sweet, subtle flavor and can be filleted and cooked in a variety of ways. Small trout range in size from 8.1 oz to 2.2 lbs, and large sea trout can be supplied up to 11 lbs total fish weight.

Scottish Trout (Steelhead)

Shellfish

Langoustine

Langoustine

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Caught in the North Sea and inshore Scottish waters, Scotland has the world’s largest share of langoustines. Highly prized and sought after, they are versatile and cook in minutes. Similar to a king prawn, but actually a closer relation of the lobster, they grow to a maximum of 8.8 oz, have a meaty tail, soft shrimp-like texture and a very sweet shellfish flavor.

Langoustine
Brown Crab
Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Certification

Brown Crab

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Traditionally fished by pot and creel, particularly around the west coast and the Scottish isles. Brown crab can be bought live, cooked, dressed or as ready-made products such as crab cakes or terrines. The rich, white meat found in the claws is very sweet, and the brown meat is particularly rich in Omega 3 and other beneficial vitamins and minerals. Male crabs range from 2.2 lbs to 4.4 lbs with an estimated yield of 35%. Look for the MSC logo on brown crab from the Shetland Isles.

Brown Crab
(Blue) Lobster

(Blue) Lobster

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Traditionally fished by pot and creel around Scotland’s coastline. With a strong, sweet flavor and meaty texture, Scottish lobster are some of the finest in the world. Sizes range between 9 in to 14.9 in, weighing between 1.5 lbs and 5 lbs.

(Blue) Lobster

Whitefish

Cod
Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Certification

Cod

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Caught in the North Sea, a sweet flavored fish with large, succulent white flakes lending itself to a great variety of filleting options and cooking methods. Cod range from 1 lb to 13.5 lbs and the larger 8.5 lbs to 13.5 lbs size, providing several fillet portions from each side of the fish.

Cod
Haddock
Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Certification

Haddock

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Scotland’s favorite whitefish, caught in the North Sea and off the west coast of Scotland. A sweet flavored fish with medium to large flakes, versatile for many cooking methods. Whole haddock are available up to 7 lbs 11.5 oz, but most commonly as two whole side fillets up to 14 oz. Look for the MSC logo on Scottish North Sea haddock products.

Haddock
Hake

Hake

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An excellent fish, very popular in European dishes, fished in the North Sea and west of Scotland, hake has a soft flesh which firms up when cooked. Ranging from 2.5 lbs to 11 lbs, hake has a long, round slender body, great for cutting into steaks or loins.

Hake
Monkfish
Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Certification

Monkfish

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Scotland’s premium fish, with a firm, meaty textured flesh and sweet shellfish flavor. Caught on the continental shelf to the north and west of Scotland, generally the tail is the most popular cut, ranging from 12 oz to 8.5 lbs. The cheeks and livers are also sold, popular in European and Asian cuisine.

Monkfish
Halibut

Halibut

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A much sought after fish, halibut is one of the largest flatfish from Scotland. Halibut has a firm yet flaky texture and a creamy, luxurious flavor—perfect for baking, pan frying or grilling. Halibut is the ideal ingredient for seafood menus or a special holiday occasion. Scotland has both wild-caught halibut from the North Sea as well as farm-raised halibut, and is available all year long.

Halibut

Friend of the Sea Sustainable Certification

RSPCA Freedom Foods Accreditation

Label Rouge
Accreditation

Marine Stewardship Council Sustainable Certification