The impact of Covid-19 is being keenly felt across the seafood sector in Scotland. Hard working men and women have seen their businesses, some of which have been fishing for generations, fall to their knees. The fish are still there, the boats can still go out, and the processors are working. However, the market is hard to reach and that is crippling the industry, which supports many families and communities around our beautiful coastline.

Known as some of the best in the world, over 80% of the fish and seafood landed in Scotland is exported to international markets. It goes to restaurants and wholesalers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the US, and of course the routes to these markets are pretty much closed off right now.

Yet, over 60% of the fish and seafood we eat in the UK is normally imported. That is not coming in either, but we still need fish and seafood as part of a healthy diet. This creates a simple solution - it’s time to eat Scottish.

We get to eat our own delicious, healthy, and sustainable seafood, and the Scottish fishing communities can continue to operate, albeit at reduced capacity. Yet, one of the biggest barriers to consumers buying fresh seafood is the cooking. Research has shown that many are intimidated by fish and shellfish, are not sure what to buy, or think that it is very difficult to prepare.

And so here is a very simple recipe provided by Carina Contini on how to cook this beautiful dish of

BAKED LEMON SOLE WITH SPINACH AND CHEDDAR CHEESE

I joined the Seafood Scotland Supper Club via Zoom call and Carina showed us how to cook this dish. Simple, healthy and nutritious.

This was a collaboration with Seafood Scotland and the fish was delivered by Fresh Fish Daily. Here is a one-time discount code FRESH10 for a 10% discount at for www.freshfishdaily.co.uk

If you would like more information on where to source fresh seafood, head over to www.foodanddrink.scot/support-local/ a Scotland Food & Drink hub that has been created to support consumers as they search for local providers.