Western Isles to host Scottish Salmon

The Western Isles is to host a visit from the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) this week.

During a two-day trip on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th October, Sid Patten and Michael Gibson CBE are to visit salmon farms in Benbecula and Lewis, view processing facilities, as well as meet with representatives from salmon farming companies, Western Isles Enterprise and Western Isles Council.

Commenting on the visit, Sid Patten said:  “Mike and I are delighted to be visiting the Western Isles as the islands are a major producer of Scottish farmed salmon with a deserved reputation for producing high quality, healthy fish in a pristine environment.

“During our visit, we want to ensure that this vital industry receives true recognition for its contribution to the social, economic and nutritional wellbeing of the islands.  We are also here to assess the mood within the industry and its stakeholders, as I recognise that the last few years has seen a period of uncertainty for many companies and employees.

“I have been encouraged by the improving market conditions:  the long-overdue fair price for the farmer and the ever-increasing consumer demand for salmon products, as the sustained increase in demand provides huge benefits to the local economies in the Western Isles.

“With the potential for salmon remaining enormous, I want to ensure that the Western Isles has the ability to grasp these opportunities,” he concluded. 

Notes to Editors:

1. Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation is a newly expanded trade association for the Scottish salmon farming industry. For the first time, industry members from mainland Scotland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland have joined together to ensure that the industry’s contribution to Scotland’s social, economic and commercial landscape is promoted, recognised and rewarded by its stakeholders.

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For further information contact: Ken Hughes, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, +44 (0)1738 587006 or 07974 173739

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