Scottish Salmon appoints Defra scientist as European and Technical Manager

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) has appointed Defra scientist Dr Neil Auchterlonie as its first European and Technical Manager. 

Neil managed Defra’s Fish Health and Aquaculture Research and Development Programme, also providing scientific advice to policy on a range of National and European issues.

Neil’s experience includes significant time working with both the salmon and trout farming industries, as well as project management and scientific research in aquaculture.  Previous roles include the provision of advice to fish farmers on all aspects of business, including production and environmental issues, disease diagnosis and treatment, and product quality.

Taking up his new position, Neil said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of this newly created full time position, working across the whole spectrum of the salmon industry.

“Salmon farming is highly sophisticated and it is very exciting to be able to apply my practical experience and application of scientific results to the aquaculture business for its benefit. I am, of course, also looking forward to moving back home to Scotland.”

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of SSPO, added: “We are delighted to have Neil working with us.  He has a vast experience in all aspects of aquaculture and will take our European undertakings to a new level of success.  He is exceptionally well versed in the implementation and monitoring of quality management systems and this fits well with the industry’s newly introduced Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The new Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation aims to represent salmon farming in technical, regulatory and political matters. 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. 
2. Information about the Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture can be found on www.scottishsalmon.co.uk.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ken Hughes, 01738 587006 / 07974 173 739

Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation main office 01738 587 000

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