Anchor Point Scotland Launches in Glasgow to Strengthen Maritime Community in Scotland

A new maritime networking forum, Anchor Point Scotland, has officially launched in Glasgow. The forum is designed to bring a more informal and relationship-led approach to maritime industry engagement.

Created in association with London International Shipping Week 2027 (LISW27), Anchor Point Scotland aims to provide a welcoming space for maritime professionals to come together, build meaningful relationships and strengthen the Scottish maritime community.

The initiative was formally introduced at a Burns Supper held at The Ubiquitous Chip earlier this year, bringing together more than 70 guests from across the maritime sector. The event marked a successful and vibrant start, combining traditional Scottish hospitality with a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Anchor Point Scotland is supported by founding partners HF and Brookes Bell, whose backing has been instrumental in bringing the concept to life.

Looking ahead, the next events have already been confirmed, including a Golf Day, at Cameron House on Loch Lomond on 23rd July where the drinks reception is proudly supported by V.Group. Later in year an Autumn drinks reception will be held at The Glasgow Art Club on 8th October.

This year’s Anchor Point Scotland events will also proudly support Stella Maris, the internationally recognised maritime charity that provides practical, emotional and pastoral support to seafarers and fishers around the world.

Anchor Point Scotland is delighted to have Stella Maris as its nominated charity for 2026, with fundraising taking place throughout the year’s events to help support its vital work within the maritime community.

Early feedback from across the sector has been overwhelmingly positive.

James Horton, President of the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and Non-Executive Director of the Scottish Maritime Cluster, commented: “Anchor Point Scotland is a really positive addition to the maritime community in Scotland. Bringing people together in a relaxed and inclusive environment is incredibly valuable and we’re delighted to see the momentum building behind it. We look forward to the upcoming events and to seeing how it evolves.”

James Horton, President of the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and Non-Executive Director of the Scottish Maritime Cluster

Simon Mackay, Director of Naval Architecture at Brookes Bell, added: “We are proud to be a founding partner of Anchor Point Scotland. Working alongside London International Shipping Week, HF and the wider Scottish maritime community, we look forward to strengthening connections and supporting greater collaboration across the sector.”

Simon Mackay, Director of Naval Architecture at Brookes Bell

Paula Gibbons, Business Development Manager at London International Shipping Week, and is leading the initiative, commented: “Anchor Point Scotland was created to offer something a little different – a space where people can connect in a genuine and meaningful way. The response so far has been incredibly positive, and it demonstrates that there is a real appetite for this within the maritime community. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of organisations such as the Scottish Shipping Benevolent Association and the Scottish Maritime Cluster, whose work is so important to the strength of the maritime community here. Anchor Point is very much about complementing that activity and building on what already exists. Exciting times lie ahead!”

Paula Gibbons, Business Development Manager at LISW

Stefanie Johnston, Partner at HF, commented:“We’re excited to be working alongside Brookes Bell and London International Shipping Week to support and bring together the maritime community. Relationships are more important than ever as we navigate an increasingly fast-changing sector, and Anchor Point Scotland provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen those connections.”