Scottish Cultivated Shellfish – Planning for the Future
Corran Halls, Oban 1st/2nd October 2025
Conference principal sponsor and co-sponsors;
The Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers invites all those interested in bivalve shellfish cultivation and seafood to join us in Oban to appreciate all things shellfish!
The programme of presentations includes:
Day 1 - Conference Opening 10:30
Programme from 12:00
We are delighted to welcome a well-known figure from within the Scottish aquaculture and seafood scene – Dennis Overton who as Chair of the Board of the Scottish Food Commission will describe future plans:
Aquaculture’s Role in Transforming Scotland’s Food System
While reference to the “Bigger Picture” and identifying opportunities – is a topic which will be tackled by a range of knowledgeable practitioners;
Oysters Australia! – Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Aus.
Roslin Institute - Shellfish – Making the Most of the Science
Engaging with Consumers – through the love of food!
Futureproof: Growth through Collaboration and Marketing
Day 2 - Conference Opening 08:30
The Plankton Monitoring Revolution - SAMS
Probing the Marine Microbiome – Esox Biologics
Oyster Seed – Satisfying Demand – Morecambe Bay Hatchery
Exploring Mussel Cultivation – Shell-volution Programme
Making the Most of Scottish Shellfish – Seafood Scotland
Plus (Day1) the role that the research community is playing in assisting the industry to resolve problems directly impacting operations;
Novel detection of D.vex / Evaluating mussel spat settlement / C-LOCH Recording the Shellfish Site Environment / Social-Media – Shellfish Soundings
All sessions will be chaired by industry experts providing plenty of opportunities to discuss the key issues which will guide the future success of the Scottish industry. From equipment supplies through production and processing and on to the final consumers – all are welcome!
Those supporting the industry through products or assistance will also be present in the form of exhibition stands – and there is always the opportunity to discuss enterprise in a relaxed atmosphere!
The “Best Scottish Shellfish” competition will once again be hotly contested by our Scottish member businesses with awards sponsored by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Head Judge Nicki Holmyard will be supported in the decision making by David Jarrad of the SAGB, Michael Leathley Head Chef, Port Appin Hotel and Sarah Riddle, SAIC.
The ASSG Annual Dinner will be held on the evening of the 1st October at The Fishouse, Oban with the awards for “Best Scottish Shellfish” categories presented by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The menu for this much anticipated annual 4 course seafood experience including a welcome drink (vegetarian option available) follows. Tickets are £65 each including the service charge. Early booking is essential as places are limited and highly sought after.
This is an event not to be missed and delegate/exhibitor bookings can be made via the following link:
ASSG 2025 Conference Booking (Paypal)
If trade exhibitors wish to discuss the arrangements for the event, please in the first instance use the general contact information form found on this ASSG website and the organisers will respond to any queries.
Accommodation in Oban?
The Muthu Hotel Group are independently able to offer the following discounted rates from their standard online booking options. All correspondence, contacts and issues should be raised directly with Muthu Hotels.
We are pleased to confirm that Coupon Code created for both Muthu Alexandra Hotel & Muthu Oban Regent Hotel with the conditions mentioned.
Coupon Code: ASSG25
Discount: 12% off the available rates on our official brand website
Booking Window: 8th August 2025 – 30th August 2025
Travel Window: Check-in 30th September 2025 | Check-out 2nd October 2025
Payment Terms: Advance payment required at the time of booking
Kindly note that all rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirming the booking.
Further Events Linked to the ASSG Conference
Shellfish Researchers Workshop – 30th September, Corran Halls, Oban
In conjunction with the ASSG, the Roslin Research Institute partnered by The Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust will again be hosting a workshop for invited delegates from the UK research and academic community. The workshop builds on last years event and focuses on public engagement and industry communication facilitating successful research outcomes - full details here
Applications can be made at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc47puwjXKAo8sMtyAfimBTc4gNZluusSdUfj2_X3kBt8XeQw/viewform
Updates on Biotoxin Testing by Industry 2nd October, Corran Halls, Oban
There will be an assessment of the performance of the currently available biotoxin testing techniques used by industry. The meeting will be informed of results of comparative testing against the Official Control programme and hear of developments in Scotland regarding commercial lab testing capabilities available to the industry. The meeting will be chaired by the ASSG with Dr Andy Turner of CEFAS in attendance.
Those interested in attending this event should register their interest with the ASSG as places are limited contactnicklake@assg.org.uk
