Pupils at three secondary schools are taking part in lessons that bring Scotland’s longstanding association with the sea into the classroom, as part of the Government-led “Eat More Fish” campaign.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead, who last week visited Inverkeithing High in Fife, which is participating in the scheme, said: “As part of the successful Eat More Fish campaign, which encourages awareness and consumption of Scottish seafood, this project will reach nearly 1,000 pupils.”

He spoke to S2 students, who are learning about the importance of the seafood industry to Scotland, how fish and shellfish are caught and processed, and the route taken from sea to plate.

The importance of eating fish and the role of Omega 3 to maintain healthy development also forms part of the classroom discussion.

Pupils at St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, and Bannerman High in Glasgow, are also taking part.

Nicki Holmyard from Seafood Scotland, which runs the project, added: “Using interactive techniques, discussion forums, taste panels and lots of visuals, we are opening young eyes to an exciting and vibrant industry, and I am pleased that a number of pupils are already considering related careers.

“Of equal importance is the opportunity we are giving some of them to taste seafood for the first time and understand its importance in the diet. We send them home with a goodie bag full of information and recipes, and hope they will spread the Eat More Fish message on to family and friends.”