Islander Shellfish takes over Billingsgate

The selling of fish has returned to a corner of Stornoway harbour after an absence of nearly 65 years.

Ronnie Scott has opened a modern fishmonger’s shop, employing seven staff, on Cromwell Street Quay - right in the heart of a traditional herring buying area.

Up to the 1950s, the spot was known as Billingsgate - a take on the major fishmarket in London.

Islander Shellfish takes over “Billingsgate”

16 May 2015

John Maclennan, acting chief executive of Stornoway Port Authority - flanked by Ronnie and Isobel Scott - officially opens the new shop

Here, the quayside used to heave daily with trade merchants negotiating over the morning’s catch, haggling about prices to try and secure a decent supply of herring. The fish would be gutted before being salted in barrels to be exported to Russia and Germany.

Nowadays, the quay is dominated by a modern new yacht marina - offering a customer base Mr Scott hopes to attract.

Mr Scott said the relocation from his former Rigs Road premises provided a great opportunity to trade in the centre of the town.

He aims for old and new customers - for local people and the visitor market.

Mr Scott said it was “big decision” to close his Rigs Road shop and relocate.

He added: “There were one or two setbacks but we go the new shop built.

“We are up and running now and we hope our valued customers will come back and support us.”

He promises a varied range of quality fresh seafood, with “good support” and supplies from the local fishing boats.

Mr Scott thanked Stornoway Port Authority as well as the contractors involved in the build.