SEAFOOD in Schools came to visit Garnock Academy last week to put on a masterclass of the health benefits of Scottish seafood.

The Seafood in Schools project is run by Seafood Scotland, an organisation that works throughout the supply chain to promote, market and develop responsibly and sustainably caught Scottish seafood.

Working with schools is an important part of their remit.

Sheila from Seafood in Schools was supported over the two days of the project by Cat from Fish for Health who gave a humorous and informative presentation to her audience.

Claire and Mark from J Pieroni Fishmongers in Ayr also kindly donated lots of fish and demonstrated filleting and cooking.

The pupils then had the opportunity to the taste the fish there and then Jane from Marine Scotland brought in lots of different seafood indigenous to Scottish waters and gave a presentation on their conservation. The pupils were able to touch and hold the many varieties of seafood on display and were amazed by their weight and texture.

The aims of the Seafood in Schools project is to provide knowledge and understanding about:

• The seafood supply chain in Scotland, from sea/source to plate

• Fishing and aquaculture production in Scotland and how it fits into the global picture

• Seafood as part of a healthy diet and sustainable food choice

• How to choose and prepare fish and shellfish

Garnock Academy, S1/S2 pupils were joined by P6/P7 pupils from Glengarnock Primary and Moorpark Primary to participate in workshops.

There were a few expressions of disgust with some of the sea smells drifting along the corridors.

However, many of these expressions were replace by enthusiasm and a great deal of pleasure as pupils enjoyed preparing, cooking and tasting the seafood.

The demonstrations from the visitors were scintillating, engaging, informative and funny.

The health benefits of the rich diversity of the seafood around our shores were clearly demonstrated to the pupils along with the fact that seafood is enjoyable to eat and can be preserved for future generations.

Then on Wednesday evening the school had a large audience at the Community Event when parents and friends got the chance participate in similar workshops.