Scientist Kimberley is an award-winner
Lochgilphead-based Kimberley McKinnell, Bakkafrost Scotland’s head of health, has been named Role Model of the Year at the Women in Scottish Aquaculture (WiSA) awards.
The keenly contested category recognises women who inspire their colleagues, promote inclusivity and professionalism.
Kimberley said: “I have never considered myself a role model, so it is humbling to learn that I may have inspired others.
“In my career I have always tried to work hard and share knowledge and experience to help others develop, so I’m really chuffed that this outlook is appreciated.
“I’m thrilled to receive the award.”
Kimberley joined salmon-producer Bakkafrost Scotland in 2016 as a senior biologist and is a key member of the biology department, covering health across all production phases and areas.
Kimberley added: “I love the people that I work with – everyone is so passionate and motivated to try new things and improve on what we do.
“It is a pleasure to be able to work in the locations we farm in – people pay good money to holiday in some of these areas.”
Kimberley developed “welfare awareness”’ sessions for colleagues, an initiative designed to share knowledge about fish health, biological challenges, ways of monitoring and the importance of identifying trends.
The training covered gill health, plankton and jellyfish monitoring, general welfare and mortality classification.
Those who attended the events also had the opportunity to use stereo microscopes, which are optical instruments that provide a three-dimensional view to monitor jellyfish.
Kimberley graduated in marine biology at Aberdeen University before moving to South Africa to research great white sharks and marine animals.
She added: “I returned back to the UK in 2012 and worked on a farm for a brief period of time. I really enjoyed the husbandry element of farming and working with animals.
“I got a job with Marine Scotland Fish Health Inspectorate in 2013, which was my first experience with fish farms and I fell in love with