From earliest times people have fished. In the Highlands fishing is a major industry with whole communities depending on it. Traditionally, cod and herring were caught for family use. They formed an important part of the diet.
As boats went further out to sea, many people took to working in the fishing industry. In the 18th and 19th centuries towns like Tobermory and Ullapool in the west and Portknockie and Macduff in the east were planned and built to expand the industry. Most East Coast fishing ports had fisher-towns, where the fisherfolk developed into close-knit communities. In other areas like Ullapool or Mallaig, nearly all the community would fish.
Those on the coast had fresh fish and fishwives would travel inland many miles carrying salt fish. Salt herring and potatoes formed the staple diet of many a crofting family. Other fish, like salmon and trout were also used. They were caught in nets and remains of fish traps (caraidh) on the shore can still be seen in many bays.
The fishing offered extra income to crofting families and people would move seasonally to work in fishing ports on the East Coast such as Wick. This was an important part of a family's income.
Read the text then answer the following questions.
Questions
- Which two species of fish were caught?
- How did people inland get their fish supplies?
- What was the staple diet for many crofters?
- How was fishing so important to people in the Highlands and Islands?