£35m hatchery in Barcaldine approved
SCOTTISH Sea Farms’ plan to build a £ 35 million salmon hatchery at Barcaldine has been approved by Argyll and Bute Council.
Scottish Sea Farms, Scotland’s second largest salmon farmer, announced last July its purchase of Barcaldine’s Marine Resource Centre by Loch Creran, and its plans to build a new land-based RAS (re- circulating aquaculture system) freshwater facility for rearing smolts until they are ready to transfer to sea farms, creating up to 25 permanent jobs.
Jim Gallagher, Scottish Sea Farms’ managing director, said: ‘I am delighted by the positive decision from the local authority and the support from the local community. We are pleased this decision has been taken so quickly and because of this investment, Argyll will benefit from high- quality jobs and training opportunities which will include disciplines such as fish husbandry, bio- chemistry and engineering.’
A Scottish Sea Farms spokesperson said: ‘ Planning consent follows a period of consultation with the local community and the company has adapted plans to ensure that the site is developed in a way that also benefits the community and supports sustainable growth in the area.
‘ The planned facility will use 90 per cent less water than traditional freshwater sites, and will deliver significantly improved energy efficiency.’
Mr Gallagher added: ‘ This will be transformational for Scottish Sea Farms, raising our production of smolts from five million to 11 million annually, and helping us to meet the rising global demand for our premium Scottish salmon and to grow our harvest volumes and revenues sustainably. It will also further increase our contribution to Scotland’s economic prosperity and the development of our coastal communities.’
Demolition has been under way at the site and construction is expected to start in the next few weeks with the first fish reared in the new facility entering the water in 2019.