Works starts on new salmon hatchery
A TURF cutting ceremony to mark the start of work on Marine Harvest’s new salmon hatchery at Inchmore, Glenmoriston, took place in July.
The facility replaces the existing hatchery, which has been on the site for 38 years, and will have a workforce of 18.
Around five million smolts, as well as similar numbers of fry and parr, will be grown each year at the hatchery to help meet increasing demand for farmed salmon.
Marine Harvest business support manager Steve Bracken invited Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson to cut the first turf at the site at Inchmore in Glenmoriston.
‘This will be a sister hatchery to the one at Lochailort we opened in 2013,’ said Bracken.
‘It is a much needed facility for us to grow our smolts in order to supply our expanding network of sea farms across the western Highlands and islands.
‘It is part of our plans to deliver an efficient and sustainable business with a long term future.’
The project is part of Marine Harvest’s investment programme to meet continuing growth in demand for Scottish farmed salmon.
Councillor Davidson said: ‘I am delighted to see work on this new hatchery get underway. The salmon industry is very important to our economy and Scottish produce has a fantastic reputation across the world.
‘It is good to see new developments in Glenmoriston and Marine Harvest have made a good start with excellent relations with local people.
‘An increase in sustainable local employment opportunities is also very welcome.’
Also present at the ceremony were representatives from the West Glenmoriston Community Company and Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council.