Salmon farming firm’s profits leap to £4 million

Profits at Scotland’s oldest independent salmon farming company, Wester Ross Fisheries (WRF), more than doubled last year to £4 million.

Turnover at the Ardmairbased firm, also rose to £16.9m in the 12 months to the end of last December, from £14.2m in 2016.

The firm attributed its success, which saw pretax profits rise from £1.7m over the period, to a 16% increase in harvest volume and record market prices.

Set up in 1977, WRF, which with a workforce of 55 is the largest private sector employer in the Ullapool area, is owned by three of its original employees, Gilpin Bradley, Colin Milne and David Robinson. Last year the company took over the Ardessie Salmon operation on Little Loch Broom, in a £900,000 deal. WRF also spent more than £900,000 on new fish pens and other equipment in 2017

Mr Bradley, the firm’s managing director, said: “We have achieved an exceptional 19% sales growth in 2017 thanks to our hardworking dedicated farmers, some of whom are now third generation. Fortunately, we have a long-established customer base at home and abroad, whose loyalty has always been appreciated.

“Our increase in harvest volume by 16% along with the record market prices was exceptional thanks to the growing interest in our salmon from our discerning customers supporting the Wester Ross brand and it’s unique operational practices.”

Wester Ross Fisheries’ turnover rose to £16.9m