Summer heatwave produces 'best Scottish oysters in a decade'

Soaring temperatures enjoyed across Scotland this summer have helped create the perfect conditions for what could be the best oyster breeding season in decades.

The waters in Loch Ryan, situated next to Stranraer, hit an unprecedented 17.8C in July – a full degree above the typical summer temperatures.

As a result, the native oyster bed has experienced a marine heatwave, creating the perfect conditions for a bumper crop of the molluscs – including baby oysters, known as spats.

With the oyster season drawing closer, running from the start of September until April, experts are delighted with the quality found in the loch.

Tristan Hugh-Jones, director of Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery Company, said: “We’ve been monitoring these temperatures closely and this extra degree of warmth should lead to the most successful breeding season in decades. The conditions are exceptional.

“We could be looking at a bumper spatfall year which will support the growth of this important oyster bed.”

Native oysters found in Loch Ryan are used to seed restoration projects from the Firth of Forth to continental Europe, owing to their high health status.

Tony Singh with the Shuck Off Competitors at the Stranraer Oyster Festival 2024.

Oyster species have declined by 95%, and it is hoped that the seed restoration projects can help maintain the molluscs.

It comes as Stranraer Oyster Festival is set to unveil a marine science programme as part of the weekend-long event, which runs from September 12 to 14.

Alongside demonstrations from celebrity chefs, the new science programme will bring the hidden world of Loch Ryan to the surface with talks, cutting edge research and hands-on experiences.

Live music, an artisan market and the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships round off the weekend of celebrations.