Peterhead-based Lunar Fishing's returns fell back to earth last year as the 28% gross margins of 2011 eased to 20%.

Pre-tax profits were down by one-third to £11 million, on turnover up 8% at £72m, but the group ended the year debt-free after paying down £6.8m.

The group is owned by the Buchan family and Alexander Buchan, 69, featured in this year's 'Rich List', based on the company's overall value of £76.6m in 2011, which went up last year to £82.5m.

But the accounts suggest Mr Buchan's shareholding passed in 2011 to director Sinclair Banks who holds around 18% of the shares, with director David Stephen holding 10%.

John Buchan, 62, has the biggest stake with 34%, while Alexander Buchan, 46, and John George Buchan, 44, each hold around 19%.

Lunar's charitable donations, which more than quadrupled in 2011 to £391,344, were maintained at £304,014 last year.

The directors write that the pelagic fish market continues to be buoyant, with white fish facing quota challenges, but the group's substantial investment left it well positioned for the future.

Direct employment fell by 16 to 261.

The highest-paid director received £152,579, down from £162,489, while directors earned just over £1m in total, £868,129 of it as self-employed fishermen.