THIS has already been a momentous year, and we are only 3 weeks in. Since live transport of shellfish products to mainland Europe is the main part of creel businesses, the preparations for Brexit involved meetings with Scottish Ministers, Westminster and the UK Government, all around forward planning for either a No-Deal or new deal. James Cook of D R Collin in Eyemouth has been at the forefront through this gigantic task. So the last 4 weeks have been particularly hectic, and it is soul-destroying that severe difficulties are arising outside of their control. James, who is also the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation (SCFF) treasurer, has been frantically busy in this, on news programmes and in complex planning to try and ensure smooth export at the ports.