Seafood in Schools programme to feature at Royal Highland Show – Fishupdate.com

Seafood in Schools programme to feature at Royal Highland Show Published:  19 June, 2012

Seafood Scotland’s ‘Seafood in Schools’ programme is gearing up to greet thousands of children and parents this week, at the Royal Highland Education Trust’s  ‘Children’s Discovery Centre’ at the Royal Highland Show.

During the four day event (21-24th June), school groups and individual visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an interactive ‘day in the life of a fish’ session.  They will learn where seafood comes from, how it gets to their plates, and why it is good to eat as part of a balanced diet.

Scottish seafood companies are also getting involved, donating products for a grand display and for tasting, to help boost children’s confidence in handling and eating fish and shellfish.  

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown by GH Fish Fillets, Welch’s Fishmongers, Macrae Edinburgh, Dawnfresh, Scottish Salmon Company, Lossie Seafoods, Daniels, International Fish Canners and SSMG, and we are confident we will encourage a large number of children to eat seafood for the first time at the event,” said programme manager Nicki Holmyard.

Scottish cod, saithe, haddock, whiting, herring, monkfish, sprats, langoustine, crab, mussels, oysters, salmon and trout are all expected to feature in the chilled display, and visual display cards will be used to explain how these species are fished or farmed.

Fish filleting and cooking sessions will provide hot seafood samples during the weekend, whilst an exciting ‘come dine with me’ session will encourage young visitors to try mussels, smoked mackerel, crab pate, hot and cold smoked salmon, cured herring and brisling sardines, and to rate them good, bad or indifferent.

“Parents are often amazed that their children really enjoy seafood, especially if it is rarely served at home.  When we explain how important the Omega 3 content is for their health, and provide a handful of simple and tasty recipes, many are encouraged to start experimenting with fish and shellfish,” explained Nicki.  

The activity will be visited on Friday by Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, as one of the food education projects funded by the Scottish Government. 

He said: “We want more of our youngsters to have the opportunity to learn about Scottish seafood, where it comes from, why it’s good for them – and also how great it tastes! That’s why the nationwide Seafood in Schools education programme is important.

“I’m sure Seafood Scotland’s activities at the Royal Highland Show will interest and excite pupils, and it’s fantastic that so many Scottish companies have got involved – donating their top quality products for young people to try.

“Some pupils will be trying a new seafood for the first time – such as smoked salmon and crab.  I hope for many it will be the start of a lifelong love of healthy and delicious Scottish seafood.”

Nicki Holmyard and her team are looking forward to working with the children and especially the school groups, who visit on the first two days of the show.  “We will be encouraging teachers to sign up to the Seafood in Schools project, which helps them to use seafood as a context for learning right across the Curriculum for Excellence. Learning about seafood is just as applicable to maths, geography and history, as it is to home economics, and the project has inspired some excellent seafood art and drama projects in the past year,” stated Nicki.