Simpson Fish are specialists in sourcing the best possible quality whole fish from the Shetland Islands. The fishing industry in Shetland is currently in the middle of an exciting period of growth.

The local fleet is expanding and modernizing in order to take advantage of the abundant fish stocks which gather around Shetland’s vast coastline.

The Shetland Islands are literally in the middle of the most prolific fishing grounds in Europe. Indeed, Shetland is the second largest whitefish landing port in the UK. We are dedicated to sourcing for our customers the finest, freshest whitefish available for the best possible value.

The Fleet

Independently owned, the Shetland whitefish fleet is expanding and constantly modernising. There is upwards of 200 active fishing boats in Shetland.
Ocean Challenge LK253
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Sedulous LK308
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Guiding Light LK84
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Venturous LK75
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Endurance LK416
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Angelina LK377
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Venture LK641
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Valhalla LK687
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Tranquility LK63
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Sharyn Louise LK250
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Resilient LK195
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Radiant Star LK71
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Prolific LK986
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Opportune LK209
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Brighter Hope LK98
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Devotion LK801
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Defiant LK371
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Courageous LK470
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Copious LK985
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Avrella LK174
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Atlantia LK502
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Arcturus LK59
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Alison Kay LK57
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Our People

Simpson Fish is a family business run by Karl Simpson, Anthony Simpson and John Simpson. We couldn’t do it without the help of Eleanor Scollay our Office Manager, Buyer Joe Ritch and our dedicated team of shipping staff led by Martin Jamieson with backup from Thorfinn Craigie and Connor Jones.

We are a tight knit team dedicated solely on the supply of high quality whole whitefish. Our focus is to deliver to our customers the best fish at the most competitive price each day.

Karl has been buying on the electronic auction for 17 years. Prior to that he had experience in the seafood sector both in fishing and aquaculture while he has also worked in the oil and agriculture industries. Anthony has a lifelong involvement in the fishing industry from fish catching through to white fish factory management. Anthony even had a spell in the Sydney fishmarket in the 1980s which he always reminds us about! Joe has been buying with Simpson Fish since 2016.    
Karl Simpson

Director

Anthony Simpson

Director

John Simpson

Director

Joe Ritch

Logistics Foreman

Eleanor Scollay

Admin Manager
00441595 693000

Our Products

Shetland’s unique location means that most Shetland fishing boats make short trips to sea, typically 1 to 5 days with a mix of seine and trawl vessels. This makes for fish of exceptional quality and freshness. We also access quantities of elite quality hand line caught fish including Cod, Pollock and Mackerel.

DOWNLOAD OUR SPECIES LEAFLET

We buy fish daily to order from the Shetland market.

In 2023 414,449 boxes of whitefish was landed in Shetland. Around 25% of all Scottish fish is landed in Shetland. Shetland is the 2nd biggest UK fishing port.

It is a mixed fishery. The most common species are Haddock, Cod, Megrim, Monkfish, Coley, Ling, Whiting and Plaice. Also available but with smaller quantities are: Halibut, Skate, Catfish, Pollock, Hake, Eels, John Dory, Lemon Sole, Squid, Turbot, Mackerel and Witches. The Shetland fishing area is FAO zone 27 iva, Northern North Sea. Full traceability is provided. Each morning we email our customers a detailed breakdown of species available for sale, broken down by grade and tonnage. To request a copy just email us and we will add you to the list.   Click here to view grading table.