The college is delighted with the response to the fishing courses

There has been a surge of applications from young people eager to join the courses at the Banff and Buchan College in Fraserburgh.

Industry leaders said youngsters were at last seeing a future in fishing.

Banff and Buchan College had announced last year that it faced ending training due to a lack of students and finance.

The college - which offers training for mates and skippers' certification and trainee fishermen - is now able to have a full intake of 14 school-leavers.

We are delighted people are beginning to see a future in the industry, there is a commitment out there Robert Sinclair College principal

College principal Robert Sinclair believes two series of the dramatic BBC television series Trawlermen, featuring the fishing crews of Peterhead at work at sea, have helped give the public an insight into a rewarding job.

The college has also seen an increase in more experienced applicants in their late teens and early 20s applying for skippers and mates courses, and hundreds have also gone through safety courses this year.

Mr Sinclair believes that while there may never be a return to the boom years of the late 80s and early 90s it bodes well for the future of the industry and the college.

He told the BBC Scotland news website: "We are delighted people are beginning to see a future in the industry, there is a commitment out there, all the courses are showing a rise.

"I think the applications are the biggest year since about 2000, it's incredible for the college and the industry.

'Greater diversity'

He added: "The nature of the work appeals to a lot of young people, it is very physical but very rewarding. Series such as Trawlermen are giving an insight."

Mr Sinclair said there was the potential for greater diversity in the industry.

He said: "There is not just work for deckhands now but engineers for the hi-tech boats.

"Older fisherman coming back is also encouraging. It is all a huge shot in the arm."

George McRae, of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association (SWFPA), said that despite severe cuts in quotas, decommissioning of boats and job losses in recent years, it showed the industry has a future.