Plans unveiled for salmon visitor centre
MARINE Harvest has revealed plans to build a visitor centre near its new feed plant at Kyleakin on Skye, dedicated to educating people about Scottish salmon farming.
The company has invested more than £100 million in the feed factory at the Alt Anavig quarry, and it is due to open later this year.
Around 170,000 tonnes of fish feed is expected to be produced annually at the site, feeding salmon farms around Scotland, Ireland, Norway and the Faroe Islands.
Plans for an adjacent visitor centre were first mooted more than two years ago (Fish Farmer, May 2016), when land was acquired for the development.
These plans have now progressed and will reportedly extend to two buildings, one for a visitor centre and café, plus a separate building with accommo- dation for visitors.
Kevin O’Leary, feed plant site manager, told the Press and Journal: ‘This is a stunning location with wonderful views and seems the ideal place for a visitor centre where people can find out more about salmon farming and enjoy a taste of Scottish salmon.
‘Salmon farming is one of the Highlands’ big success stories with a great story to tell and we think a visitor centre would be a welcome addition to Skye.
‘We’re very keen to be good neighbours and will be discussing plans for an impressive facility with local people once the feed plant is up and running at the end of the year.’
Councillor John Finlayson said: ‘As the impressive feed mill continues to move forward apace, it is also encouraging to see that Marine Harvest are thinking ahead with projects that will benefit the local economy and also help support some of the accommodation and housing issues facing Skye.
‘The addition of a visitor centre showcasing the history and working of the fish farming industry, which to my knowledge will be the first of its kind, will also be a welcome tourist and educational attraction.’