Confidence leaps in farmed salmon trade

Scotland’s salmon-farming industry is experiencing “strong” business confidence, according to a report published today.

The study from the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) found that employment is up by 13 per cent, capital investment remains “steady” at £63 million for the second year in a row and more than £390m was spent last year in the Scottish supply chain.

The Perth organisation also said the economic impact is “particularly evident” in the Highlands and Islands, where £164m was spent directly with local firms. In total, wages grew by 5 per cent to almost £75m.

SSPO chief executive Scott Landsburgh said: “Scottish salmon is now both Scotland’s and the UK’S top food export and the wholesale recognition of its quality and provenance has continued to boost industry’s investment confidence.”

He added that nearly 3,500 Scottish companies benefit from doing business with salmon farmers, with the SSPO saying farmed salmon makes up about 40 per cent by value of Scottish food exports.

“I’m especially pleased to see more recruitment and that 91 per cent of jobs are full-time,” he said. “This is a major boost for the Scottish economy but for the Highlands and Islands it is a vital economic and social support.”

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This report shows our salmon sector is thriving economically, increasing the number of fulltime jobs, supporting communities and generating significant levels of investment.” 0 Scott Landsburgh heads up Perth-based SSPO