Coastal foraging west Scotland

[Paules Dukker]

September next year we are planning a trip to west Scotland. We will be camping and living on the coast fors even days, mainly subsisting on foraged food (seafish, shellfish, seaweeds and other coastal plants). Can anybody tell us which areas are the best? We hope to find a location south of Oban and preferably not to far from Glasgow.
Paules Dukker, The Netherlands

 

[scottpix]

Hi Paules surpised you haven`t got any replies.

I cant give you any specific answers to areas but the west coast is very rich in seafood, take a rod and spin for mackerel and pollock ( plentyfull ), I would also take a collapsible lobster pot http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foldable-Crayfish-Crab-Lobster-Fish/dp/B0068F3ZQW not had lobster yet but had loads of crabs and fish.

Hope this helps, enjoy your visit to Scotland.

Scott

 

[Uilleachan]

Make sure you get the heads up on algal borne toxins for the area you plan to visit, it's only filter feeding shellfish that are affected but there are already a few warnings up on a couple of parts of the west coast at the moment, it's not going to get any better as the season advances. A little homework should put you right though.

 

[Bucephalas]

Check out Fraser Christian of Coastal Survival as he is doing this in a couple of weeks.

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Agree with everything posted, only to say that the style of lobster pot linked to, don't expect to be catching many lobsters with it. Maybe more crabs and the like.

Consider taking a mask/snorkel/fins, and try freediving for scallops?

What ever you go with, do let us know how you get on.

J

 

[Paules Dukker]

Thanks for all the replies.
Is anybody familiar with the sea around Tarbert and more to the north? I think it's called Loch Fyne.
I am now also looking at the month april. According to the edible seashore april would be fine for shellfish. Is this correct? I have heard that they are not fully grown yet. Does this also apply for seafish?
I have been looking for information on algae on the internet, but haven't found anything useful. Can anybody lead me to a site?
Paules Dukker, the Netherlands