A four-year post-smolt innovation project at The Scottish Salmon Company’s (SSC) Applecross site in the northwest highlands has been awarded up to GBP 5 million (USD 6.6 million, EUR 5.9 million) in public sector funding.
One of the main aims of the project is to increase smolt size from around 100 grams to 500 grams using recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology. The project also includes new husbandry techniques, enhanced smolt testing, and vaccination methods to improve fish welfare while increasing production.
Expected to create around 30 rural jobs, the project will receive up to GBP 3 million (USD 4 million, EUR 3.5 million) from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with a further GBP 2 million (USD 2.6 million, EUR 2.3 million) confirmed by Marine Scotland.
SSC Managing Director Ian Laister said the company’s investment in RAS is part of its commitment to become the leading and most sustainable salmon producer in Scotland.
“This new post-smolt technology will be a game changer and we are delighted to have the substantial support of both Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Marine Scotland to allow these innovative plans to be developed in Scotland. Their investment and support will help create jobs in the rural economy,” Laister said. “Our RAS facility at Applecross will be fully operational by 2023 and will be the largest of its kind in Scotland, with plans for an additional two RAS facilities.”
The project, Laister said, is a key part of the company’s future plans.
“This is fundamental to our overall sustainable growth strategy and investment program over the next five years, which will transform the business,” he said.
Scotland Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said she welcomed the new approach being taken by The Scottish Salmon Company since it became part of the Bakkafrost Group and introduced new management.
“The project will deliver on improved fish and welfare, applies innovation to address key challenges, and contributes towards sustainability. It also supports the creation of new jobs which will boost the wider economy,” Gougeon said. “These jobs include high-value, high-skill positions in remote rural areas and also add to our burgeoning aquaculture supply chain which makes the whole industry more sustainable in the longer-term.”
The Scottish Salmon Company employs around 600 people across 60 farming sites. It was acquired by Bakkafrost in 2019, and since then, the Faroese company has invested GBP 50 million (USD 66 million, EUR 58.5 million) in its operations.
Photo courtesy of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise
