The Stranraer oyster development project
Loch Ryan has a unique population of native oysters, Ostrea edulis. It is the only sustainable native oyster fishery in Scotland, protected by its geographic position and an ancient charter that has protected it from overfishing. The fishery is also free of a disease called Bonamassa which can devastate native oyster stocks when it is found. Currently the oysters are sold, in the main, in the South of England. We believe however it should be possible to develop a Scottish market which creates greater benefit for Stranraer and Dumfries and Galloway. To do this through there a number of steps which must be outlined in a marketing and business plan:
* Identify a location for local processing and depuration of the oysters, identifying all permits and statutory obligations.
* Identify a location and a plan for a Stranraer sustainable sea food offering, along the lines of an oyster shack, maximizing community benefit from the oyster fishery.
* Undertake market research for the sale of oysters in Scotland and Northern England a low food miles product.
* Develop the brand of Loch Ryan Oysters, highlighting their uniqueness.
* Develop other sustainable economic activities that can be related to the oyster fishery and its activities.
* Write a deliverable business plan to maximize sustainable economic activity generated from the oyster fishery.
* Investigate the possibility of ‘oyster tourism’ on the loch.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Manage consultant contracts for marketing and branding
* Liaise with property and landowners to find sites for depuration and processing
* Commission the Design a depuration facility
* Liaise with Dumfries and Galloway Environmental health
* Liaise with Dumfries and Galloway Council SCAMP team, aligning the project with the wider work.
Qualifications and Experience
* A relevant degree or equivalent in business and/or marketing
* 3 years’ experience in marketing/business development role.
* Demonstrate knowledge of the food industry, ideally sea food.
* Demonstrate competency with MS Office
* Demonstrate competency with social media.
Location
It is expected that the officer will be based at the Stranraer Development Trust offices in Stranraer.
Management and Support
The project officer will be supported by a steering group made up with representatives from:
* Dumfries and Galloway Council Nick Chisholm
* Galloway and South Ayrshire Biosphere
* Stranraer Development Trust Harry Harbottle
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