A teenage girl who won trainee fisherman of the year hopes to inspire more young women to work in the Scottish fishing industry. Isla Gale quit school at 15 to work as an apprentice on a scallop fishing boat. Now 19, she has completed deck officer qualifications in the hopes of following her dreams to work on larger fishing vessels at sea.
She hopes to see more women making waves in a male-dominated industry. You could fall in love with it like I have. The teen is already making a name for herself, after scooping Trainee Fisherman of the Year at the Fishing Industry Awards in She hopes to use her experience and knowledge to inspire others and has already been featured on platforms such as the BBC.
Isla praised the SMA in Peterhead for providing an education for those with a passion for fishing. But sea legs aren't the only requirement as she warned fishing is a huge life commitment that takes you away from home, friends and family. Although what I really miss while studying is being at sea.
I miss the camaraderie of the fishing and I can't wait to get back. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter. Teenage girl who won fisherman of the year hopes to inspire young women to work at sea.
Story by Iona Young. Isla on the boat.
