A CREEL fisherman from Dunbar has called for more support for the industry, after featuring in a special exhibition.
Barry Brunton is part of the Pride in the Seas 2 exhibition, a campaign launched by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) to share authentic stories from those working in the country’s fishing sector.
The second phase of the campaign was unveiled at the Scottish Parliament, with industry leaders and politicians in attendance.
Mr Brunton, who operates a single-handed creel boat from Dunbar Harbour, said: "If the scientists and policymakers spent even just one week on our boats, the rules would look very different.
"The public doesn't always get to see the graft, the struggle and the sheer determination it takes just to make a wage."
The 50-year-old fisherman is the last in a long family line of fishermen and has spent most of his working life at sea.
He has faced mounting challenges, including rising operational costs and a shortage of crew, which forced him to downsize to a smaller vessel.
He now runs a Cygnus 21 creel boat on his own.
Mr Brunton said: "It’s taken three years just to get to the point where I’m earning a proper wage again.
"Every penny I’ve made has gone straight back into the business.
"There are fewer boats now than ever before, yet we’re being told to fish in less space."
The SFF believes that stories like Mr Brunton’s highlight the realities of the fishing industry.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the SFF, said: "Barry’s story cuts to the heart of the challenges facing our coastal communities.
"It is voices like his that we must ensure are not just heard but considered when shaping the future of the marine environment and the policies around it.
"The Pride in the Seas 2 campaign aims to bring those working in our industry to the forefront, giving recognition to the generations of skill, stewardship and resilience that characterise fishing communities across Scotland, and why we need to support Scotland’s fishermen not just for today, but also for the future."
The exhibition and individual case studies, including Mr Brunton’s, can be viewed on the SFF website at sff.co.uk/news/barry-brunton
Despite the obstacles, Mr Brunton remains proud of his work and continues to encourage future generations to consider a career in fishing.
The exhibition, which debuted at the Scottish Parliament, will travel across Scotland throughout the year.
It aims to bring stories like Mr Brunton’s to coastal communities and the wider public.
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