North Uist brothers purchase new scallop vessel with RBS backing

Konrad and Kamil Kosieradzki, owners of K&K Fishing, moved to North Uist from Poland following a one-year university placement on the island in 2004, and established successful scallop fishing business, K&K Fishing, in 2009.

The new scallop vessel, which will be only the second new fishing boat under 15 metres to operate from the Outer Hebrides in the past 10 years, will be tailor-made to the business’s requirements and will improve operational efficiency, including a 30-40 per cent reduction in fuel costs. Processes will also be quicker and safer, such as emptying the gears, and accommodating an additional tow per day. The engine room will also be situated farther from living quarters, reducing noise and improving living conditions.

Konrad Kosieradzki, director of K&K Fishing, said: “We’ve seen some challenges since establishing K&K Fishing ten years ago, including the fuel crisis in 2013, but we feel now is the right time to invest in our business.

“Demand for scallops is increasing and this vessel will help us to keep up with demand and improve efficiency, as well as ensure the longevity of the business. We’re positive about the future – when we moved to the island in 2009, we’d never seen the sea, and now we’re running a successful scallop fishing business. This vessel will help us to secure the future of K&K Fishing, and we’d like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland for its support.”

Iain McFee, senior relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We often hear about the fishing industry boom on Scotland’s east coast, but there are also many successful smaller businesses on the western isles investing in the future.

“Konrad and Kamil’s work ethic and dedication to the business has ensured the success of the business, and we wish them all the best as they receive their new vessel.”