Russia ends UK fish restrictions

The lifting of the ban has been hailed as good news for the pelagic industry

The Scottish fishing industry has welcomed Russia's decision to begin lifting restrictions on fish imports from the UK, introduced last year.

The Russian fish market is worth £42m to the British economy, with the majority of stock coming from Scotland.

Restrictions were placed on fish such as herring and mackerel due to concerns about food safety at processing plants.

First Minister Alex Salmond said the export suspension had seriously affected Scottish companies.

He said: "We have traditionally enjoyed an excellent trading relationship with Russia and I am confident this was simply a temporary blip. We have worked with the industry and all relevant authorities to ensure that the restrictions were removed.

Russia is an important market for the Scottish industry and we are absolutely delighted that the restrictions have been lifted Robert Duthie Denholm Seafoods

"As soon as we were informed that exports of fish and fish products from the UK to Russia had been suspended we immediately got to work to overturn it and see off the serious implications of a permanent ban."

Russia imposed the restrictions on all but a few UK processors of pelagic fish after they raised concerns about veterinary standards in processing plants.

More than 10 Scottish companies export their products to the country.

Robert Duthie, managing director of Denholm Seafoods in Peterhead, said he was pleased the restrictions were being ended.

He said: "Russia is an important market for the Scottish industry and we are absolutely delighted that the restrictions have been lifted.

"We greatly appreciate the efforts of the first minister in achieving this breakthrough."

Russia also imposed a ban on UK fish in 2001 following the foot and mouth crisis.