Seaweed Training in Unst

NAFC Marine Centre staff recently delivered training on seaweed identification and harvesting in Unst, to staff of the Shetland Distillery Company and the Saxa Vord Hotel.

The training was delivered by Rhiannon Inkster, Christine Rolin, Josh Laing and Lesley McEvoy under the Centre's ongoing project on developing seaweed cultivation in Shetland, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund.

Very positive feedback was received after the workshop including the following comments:

"The morning session gave us a wider understanding of seaweed, the varieties, how they grow and reproduce, and harvesting in a way that protects it and it's environment. The practical, hands-on, afternoon session in Haroldswick Bay gave us an opportunity to make sure we could put what we learnt in the morning into practice, whilst you and your team were there to guide and encourage us." (Wilma Nickerson, Shetland Distillery Co.)

"As you may well know, I have a passion for using locally sourced products here in Unst and it is with thanks to you and the course I have not only found a wonderful ingredient, but a free one. All the different types of natural seaweeds has spurred me on to create new dishes and experiment more and more in our kitchen with soups, salads, pasta, and even desserts with various compote." (Steve Carter, SJC Catering).

The workshop team were also treated to a super lunch prepared by Steve at the Saxa Vord restaurant and a tour of the distillery with Wilma and Stuart Nickerson and Mark Turnbull. A very pleasant day all round!