Scottish Salmon promises commitment to islands 1/8/11
The Scottish Salmon Company is celebrating its first birthday with a pledge to continue developing a growing, strong and sustainable business in and for the rural communities of the West of Scotland and the Hebrides.
Since it was formed in the summer of 2010, the company has been developing its international export markets as well as its position in the local marketplace.
The firm says it is committed to the local areas and has also worked hard to refurbish and reopen its processing facility in Stornoway with an investment of over £3 million.
It has also invested millions of pounds in farm infrastructure throughout the Hebrides and west coast. However, its recent drive for more and bigger farms to increase production has caused conflict with island communities.
Stewart McLelland, Chief Operating Officer at The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “We have come a long way in the space of a year and for a very young company, I am proud of our achievements. We are a Scottish business and understand and care for the communities and environments in which we live and work.
“To continue providing a strong and sustainable business, we will develop new and existing farm sites to meet the demands from new and existing customers. This in turn will provide local employment and economic support.
“The process for developing potential farm sites has begun and we are keen to engage with local communities, many where we already live and work, to highlight the benefits of salmon farming.”
Over the past year, The Scottish Salmon Company has increased its staff numbers in the Hebrides by over 100 people in both farming and processing operations and has a local employability policy. It is committed to supporting local communities and culture.
Through its healthy living initiative it donated £25,000 in the Mid Argyll Community Pool’s ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative and supported the establishment of the George Kerr Junior Judo School in Stornoway, which has 75 members and supported judo sessions being brought to a number of schools in the Hebrides. The company has a Gaelic policy and is planning to launch a Gaelic culture and living initiative.
The company was also recently named as Scotland’s Best Marine Aquaculture Company at the Scottish Marine Aquaculture Awards, sponsored by the Crown Estate.