Plan to expand salmon farm

MARINE Harvest has submitted an application to Highland Council to increase production at its ‘open sea’ salmon farm off the Isle of Muck.

The farm was opened in 2014 as part of an £80 million expansion which has seen the creation of larger open sea sites and six full-time permanent jobs on the island, as well as new houses to accommodate staff.

Now the company hopes to increase production at the farm and, in the process, employ three more people.

Steve Bracken, Marine Harvest’s business support manager, explained: ‘The opening of the fish farm off Muck in 2014 gave a real boost to the island in terms of both jobs and houses. We opened the fish farm after an extensive consultation process which clearly showed support for our plans.’

The changes to the farm would involve moving the equipment nearer to the shore and extending the moorings boundary 75m to the north-west. Two new farm pens would be added, with the same design as the existing equipment. This would allow for an increase in production from 2,500 to 3,500 tonnes.

The plans have been welcomed by landowner Colin McEwen, son of laird Lawrence McEwen, who said: ‘Having the fish farm here has been of great benefit to the island community. And it’s not just about the jobs at the fish farm. It’s also meant improvements to the jetty, which provides a better experience for visitors.’