Community

Everyone in Scotland should be able to enjoy the countryside and the water safely. In order to achieve this, salmon farmers ask that people remain a safe distance away from farms and other facilities. This is for the safety of everybody, including farm workers and other marine users, and also to protect the health and welfare of fish on the farms.

Scotland's salmon farmers invest both time and hundreds of thousands of pounds every year to support local causes. In 2016 salmon producers contributed £735,000 to projects including the renovations of community halls and refurbishment of school playgrounds.

From shinty, badminton and football teams and leagues; Jujitsu and Island Games squads, school swimming lessons to mountain bike champions - they're all funded by the generosity of fish farmers who understand the importance of maintaining strong, healthy communities in often remote rural locations.

Aquaculture in the UK is still relatively new, with salmon farming only having been around for the last 40 years or so. But as some of the pioneers now retire there's a new generation ready to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

A report by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) reveals that almost a third of the workforce in the salmon farming sector are under 30.

Data published by the SSPO shows that more than 700 young people between the ages of 17 and 30 are directly employed in the sector.

The first new tenants will start moving into their houses in Ullapool this week.

They will be taking possession of four new houses in all, solid semi-detached developments on the edge of one of the most picturesque and popular villages in the Highlands.

These are not going to be holiday homes, they are not going to be taken by retirees moving up from the Central Belt or from London, they are not even local housing association properties for those on the housing list.