Secondary schools in Aberdeenshire are the focus of a "ground-breaking" initiative to encourage teenagers to consider a career in commercial fishing.

Just launched, the pilot scheme led by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) aims to secure the future of Scottish fishing by encouraging a new generation of fishermen or women to go to sea.

Fishing is worth around £430m to the Scottish economy and also supports a wide range of associated industries.

Under the initiative, school-leavers in Aberdeenshire will be offered the opportunity to undertake a three week introductory and safety course in fishing at the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) in Peterhead followed by a two-month work placement aboard a working fishing vessel.

Participants who enjoy the experience and decide that fishing is their career of choice, will then have the opportunity to enrol in a two year Modern Apprenticeship course leading to a qualified deckhand certification.

On completion of this, those looking for further advancement can train as a navigation officer or marine engineer. Such qualifications are transferable and can be used for careers in other marine sectors, the SFF stresses.

The scheme is also supported by Aberdeenshire Council, Skills Development Scotland and the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

Derek Cardno, Safety & Training Officer for the SFF, said: "We are delighted to launch this pilot scheme in Aberdeenshire, which if successful, can hopefully be rolled out to other parts of the country. Fishing is an exciting and challenging career that can offer real rewards in terms of job satisfaction and personal progression.

"Fishing is one of Scotland's most iconic and traditional industries and it is vital that there is a continual flow of new entrants coming into the sector."

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Jim Gifford, said: "Aberdeenshire lies at the very heart of the UK's modern and sustainable fishing industry with two of Europe's largest fishing ports, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, situated in the north-east.

"The commercial fishing sector offers rewarding career opportunities for our young people and this scheme is a perfect opportunity for them to receive mentoring, practical experience and to discover what working in the industry is like."