Plans for £35 million RAS unveiled
Scottish Sea Farms has submitted a planning application for a new £35 million RAS hatchery in Barcaldine.
The RAS, which is due to be built on the site of the former Marine Resource Centre, could lead to 25 highly skilled jobs for the Argyll area and help facilitate the company’s ambitious plan for sustainable growth – allowing them to increase their annual smolt production from 5 to 11 million.
Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said in a press release: “This is terrific news for the Argyll area. These plans have the potential to bring significant skilled employment and investment to the area and reflect the industry’s ongoing commitment to using the latest technology available when growing production.”
The design of the new facility will support the latest husbandry techniques and will deliver significantly improved energy efficiency than traditional freshwater sites. If approved, the site will offer high-quality jobs and training opportunities in disciplines including fish husbandry, bio-chemistry, and engineers.
Scottish Sea Farms hope to begin construction later this year, with a view to begin rearing the first fish in 2019. This project is part of a total £70 million spend anticipated over the next few years.
