Orkney fisherman seek protected status for island’s crab

The European Union scheme protects certain food names on grounds of geography or recipe to safeguard them against imitators.

The Orkney Fishermen’s Society’s application will now be considered in a national consultation.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It’s great news that Orkney crab has applied for protected status which could help guarantee the quality and reputation of this iconic product.

“It is extremely important for the public to know where their food comes from.

“Achieving protected food name status will ensure that customers from both Scotland and further afield can be guaranteed that what they are buying is genuine, high-quality crab from Orkney.”

Stewart Crichton, of Orkney Fishermen’s Society, said” “We’ve worked very hard for a number of years to build the reputation of Orkney crab, starting from our fishermen and the care and pride they take in their job, to our processing factories and our customers.

“Protecting the integrity of that brand is the next logical step and one we’re delighted to be embarking on.”