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Shetland Mussels Recognised Again

These days, Shetland is becoming almost as well known for its mussels as for knitwear and ponies.

The mussels grow in the sea on ropes suspended from floats and the process is completely natural; so natural, in fact, that there is no absolute guarantee that any particular rope or site will produce mussels at all. The clear, clean water is ideal and the quality of the mussels is superb. Now, a local producer has won another award, this time for excellence in research and innovation, which has been presented by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Blueshell Mussels is a family-owned business based in the village of Brae, in the north mainland of Shetland. Founded 12 years ago, it now produces some 1,300 tons of mussels each year and an investment of £750,000 is now under way in order to increase production further. Blueshell Mussels were recently featured in an edition of BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme.

Michael Laurenson, the firm’s managing director, said that he was delighted to accept the award and said that its testified to the ‘sheer determination and drive’ of the team. He went on to say that business was up 60% in a year and pointed out that this had been achieved in a recession. Anne Murray, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said that Blueshell Mussels was an ‘exemplar’ for business in the region that had used the advantages of its outstanding natural environment to meet the demands of today’s customers. Innovation had helped it to grow.

Published: 01/10/2009

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