West Coast Fishmonger at Oyster Shucking competition

West Coast Sea Products fishmonger, Craig, placed second in the Stranraer Oyster Festival ‘ShuckOff’, which returned this year after a two year break due to COVID restrictions.

The Stranraer Oyster Festival is a three day celebration of Scottish coastal heritage, culture, and local produce. With visitors reaching well into the thousands, the festival highlights the best of Scottish fishing communities.

Stranraer Oyster Festival is definitely one of the best food festivals I have been to. It has something for all the family to enjoy on all three days and showcase’s what is on our doorstep. – Craig

At the heart of the festival was The ShuckOff, which took place in front of the crowd of festival goers. Competitors faced a series of heats, before the finalists came head to head.

Craig faced tough competition from 8 other fishmonger professionals and top chefs from across Scotland. He was bested in the final, where he successfully shucked 30 oysters in 3 minutes and was awarded points for skill, as well as presentation.

I only shucked my first oyster 18 months ago and I had to compete against eight other competitors! We were not only shucking oysters as fast as we could but were marked down if the meats were sliced, had sand or shell in them, or if you had drawn blood on them. The meats had to be cut from the shell and turned over just like they present them in restaurants; luckily I was the only competitor to lose no marks for that!

Craig will now represent Scotland in the World Championships taking place on the 24th September 2022. He will face fierce competition from around the world, all fighting for the global title.

Tickets for the Galway Oyster festival are available online now, so if you can, head along and support Craig!

In the mood for Oysters? They’re always a staple on our vans, you can pre-order online for collection or delivery today.