A recently established oyster farm on Barra is expanding and creating jobs.
A new firm has been set up to run Gerard Macdonald's oyster farm.
Tràigh Mhòr Oysters is a new venture between A.P. Jess, the family owned food group and Isle of Barra Oysters, owned by Gerard Macdonald.
As part of the deal, Tràigh Mhòr Oysters takes over Isle of Barra Oysters and is fast becoming one of the largest producers of quality oysters in Scotland.
The new company has created six jobs.
HIE awarded funding of £490,000 to assist with the expansion of production. The project is expected to create new jobs in Barra.
Around 6,000,000 oysters are currently being farmed with another 4,000,000 being added this year as the infrastructure develops.
The firm plans to explore international markets such as France, Spain and the Far East where demand for live shellfish is growing.
Unlike oyster farms throughout most of Europe, which grow the oysters in baskets in sub−tidal waters, Tràigh Mhòr Oysters will employ a method similar to that used for growing mussels and scallops.
This process will involve the mooring of headlines on site with drop lines spaced out along them.
The oysters feed on natural plankton making the industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and the oysters have a lengthy growing cycle with the first harvest expected in 2016.
Oyster farm venture creates jobs
24 August 2015