Salmon farming start-up Organic Sea Harvest (OSH) has confirmed the appointment of Robert Wyvill to the newly-created role of chief operating officer.
Wyvill, originally from North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is currently general manager of marine operations at Petuna Aquaculture in Tasmania. He has previously lived on Skye, working for Mowi in both Greshornish and Portnalong.
Expected to join the organic salmon farming company’s team shortly before its very first harvest this spring, Wyvill will be responsible for all of OSH’s day-to-day operations.
“I’m very excited to return to the Highlands and have the chance to work with Organic Sea Harvest as they develop their vision for the future. Having worked for the past 24 years in aquaculture, I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the role as Organic Sea Harvest works to create an outstanding product and support the overall Scottish aquaculture industry,” Wyvill said.
OSH CEO Ove Thu highlighted Wyvill’s “extensive experience” in operating exposed salmon farming sites, saying that the company is confident he will be an “excellent addition” to its two Skye sea farms at Culnacnoc and Invertote.
“We are glad to create sustainable jobs within the Isle of Skye community and look forward to seeing what Robert will bring to the OSH team,” he said.
In addition to employing 13 full-time members of staff at Culnacnoc and Invertote, and seven other administrative positions, OSH has calculated that since being incorporated in August 2015, it has invested more than GBP 13 million (USD 18 million, EUR 15.2 million) in the local Skye economy.
In January 2021, OSH was denied approval for a third fish farm site on Skye. The company had requested planning permission from the Highland Council for a site at Balmaqueen that would have consisted of 12 120-meter cages.
