Trout about that? Jobs boost in fish farm plans
The UK’s largest producer of farmed trout has unveiled plans for investment in North Ayrshire, creating 12 jobs.
Dawnfresh, which already employs over 500 people across Scotland, has submitted scoping reports to North Ayrshire Council for the creation of two fish farm sites as the first steps in the planning process.
If consented, the Scottish- owned company would invest £ 4 million in each of the high energy sites off the coast of the south eastern side of Great Cumbrae opposite the Hunterston Deepwater Port and on the north west side of Little Cumbrae.
A total of around 7000 tons of trout would be produced per 22.5 month cycle across the two sites.
As well as creating six permanent full time jobs at each of the sites and establishing North Ayrshire as a key part of the growing Scottish aquaculture sector, the new fish farms would create an additional 12 permanent full- time jobs on service boats, servicing the two North Ayrshire sites and two other sites planned for Argyll and Bute.
The other two proposed sites in Argyll and Bute would be located to the south of Ardentinny and off the Island of Bute.
Additional downstream jobs will be created and safeguarded through the supply, servicing and maintenance of the sites and will create jobs for suppliers elsewhere in Scotland through boat and feed barge construction, equipment provision with further positions created in processing.
The sites are part of a plan for four fish farms in and around the Firth of Clyde area for which Dawnfresh is currently seeking permission.
The other two proposed sites would be in Argyll and Bute at Ardentinny and South Bute.
Alison Hutchins, Farming Director for Dawnfresh, said: “Our proposed fish farm sites represent a major investment in North Ayrshire, with the potential to create and support 24 jobs.
“Through meticulous planning and research, the locations of these sites have been selected in keeping with the recent recommendations of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee towards high energy and off- shore but they also benefit from being located in and around The Firth of Clyde which has a heritage of production. These locations will allow us to protect the health and safety of our fish with minimal impact on the environment.
“We are keen to hear from local people so we can answer any questions and take on board any concerns they may have.”