Stranraer’s first oyster festival attracts over 10,000 visitors

Hardeep Singh Kohli, sharing Oyster pakora samples Credit: Stranraer Oyster Festival

Stranraer's first oyster festival attracted over 10,000 visitors at the weekend.

Organisers say the event was a 'massive success that exceeded all expectations'.

Stranraer Oyster Festival saw a number of performances, demonstrations and events over three days.

This included a giant seafood paella made by John Henry of Henrys Bay House Restaurant.

Many were tasted by people who had never eaten them before, including local children.

Market stall holders at the event are said to have completely sold out of goods.

Accommodations are also believed to have been fully booked within 20 miles of Stranraer.

The festival organiser said:

Many oysters were tasted by people who had never eaten them before Credit: Stranraer Oyster Festival

Romano Petrucci added:

Stranraer Oyster Festival was organised to celebrate the seafood heritage of the area.

The festival also hosted the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championship in partnership with Seafood Scotland.

The competition saw Tristan Hugh-Jones of Loch Ryan Oysters win the title.

He will represent Scotland in the World Oyster Opening Championship in Galway this weekend.

Tristan Hugh-Jones at he Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships Credit: Stranraer Oyster Festival

The Scottish Oyster Shucking Champion said: