YAS, Scale AQ, and Inverlussa join forces to raise funds for the RNLI during this week's Aquaculture UK trade show in Aviemore, Scotland.
Image: Young Aquaculture Society.
The Young Aquaculture Society (YAS), in collaboration with Norwegian aquaculture tech supplier Scale AQ and Scottish workboat operator Inverlussa, is gearing up to make quite a splash at this week's Aquaculture UK trade show and conference in Aviemore, Scotland.
Not only is Scale AQ providing YAS with a platform by including them in their exhibition space to enhance visibility and share their initiatives, together the organizations are running a fundraising walk in support of UK maritime charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
“The RNLI are a brilliant maritime cause; an institution that provides an excellent service for the women and men who work and interact with the seas around the UK,” said Graham Smith, Scale AQ General Manager UK.
The support from Scale AQ was warmly received by the newly-formed society, said YAS Vice President Robert Stewart.
“A company like Scale AQ reaching out to YAS in our infancy to support us was both incredibly exciting and quite humbling. It’s a demonstration that the industry is willing to support new ideas and new people,” Stewart said in a press release.
The feeling is mutual, according to Scale AQ's sea-based special advisor, Connor Foster, who points out that several of the company's staff are either members or alumni of the Norwegian counterpart to YAS, Young Fish.
“Young Fish are a great resource for both young people in Norway, and the Norwegian sector – I loved my time there. We are excited at the prospect of a similar initiative launching in the UK to support talent development,” Foster said.
The new young professional network will host its official launch event at the trade show, alongside Salmon Scotland's AGM on Tuesday 14 May.
YAS has already attracted over 130 members and over 1,500 followers on LinkedIn, but their appearance at Aquaculture UK in Aviemore will be their first official event, with the society hoping this will be the start of a more regular program of virtual and in-person meetings.
The community "fun run / walk" charity event will begin at 8:30am on Wednesday 15 May, with a planned route of 6km starting from Grampian Road, Aviemore. Scale AQ and Inverlussa will donate £5 each to the RNLI for every participant. More information here.