Will technology silence the shout auction at Peterhead fish market?

The traditional shout auction process is still operated in Peterhead

The traditional "shout auction" at Peterhead fish market could become a thing of the past.

The Aberdeenshire town - the UK's largest fishing port - still uses the old method of buyers calling out their bids for boxes of fish.

But Peterhead Port Authority is now consulting on the possible introduction of an electronic auction system.

This could allow buyers to purchase fish without them actually being physically present.

• No fish market auction after boycott by processors

• Prince Charles opens fish market

• More from NE Scotland, Orkney and Shetland

The port authority said an electronic auction - which is commonplace in many other markets - could "maximise supply and improve demand".

Launching the consultation, chief executive officer Graeme Reid said the organisation had to continually review operations.

Peterhead is the biggest white fish port in the UK

He said: "Due to recent fish landing placement toward harbours with electronic auctions, there is a significant threat to landings at Peterhead fish market.

"Electronic auctions are now commonplace in many markets and are in the process of being implemented in others.

"The board also recognises potential opportunities to maximise supply and improve demand by allowing purchases without being physically present."

The port authority is conducting a "detailed review" of the "wide-ranging and significant factors" that require to be considered to allow an "informed future decision" about the introduction of an electronic auction.

The consultation will conclude at the end of this month.

In January last year, Peterhead Fish Market had no auction for the first time in recent history following a boycott by processors in a wrangle over certain buying practices.