Salmon sector nets interest from the next generation

More than 200 young people in Campbeltown have been given a hands-on introduction to the wide range of careers available across Scotland’s salmon sector.

Around 210 pupils from S1 to S3 took part in the event at Campbeltown Grammar School last Thursday. It was organised in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Argyll and Bute and trade body Salmon Scotland.

The event brought together employers, researchers, and companies from across the west coast, including Mowi Scotland, AKVA Group, BioMar, Scottish Sea Farms, Hendrix Genetics, the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), and Seaweed Scotland.

Pupils took part in a series of hands-on sessions linking classroom subjects to real-world roles in aquaculture, technology and the marine environment.

Liz Thomson, depute headteacher at Campbeltown Grammar School, said the event provided the pupils with a valuable opportunity to see how the subjects they study in class from biology to digital technology, apply directly to high-value careers available in the Campbeltown area.

Buzzing with energy

“It was a pleasure to see our hall buzzing with energy as pupils explored everything from marine science to the technology behind modern aquaculture,” said Thomson.

“For many of our students, this event was a real eye-opener to the diversity of the salmon sector. By bringing the 'farm to the plate' and the lab to the classroom, our partners have helped inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and farmers in Campbeltown.”

The Kintyre peninsula is a significant area for salmon farmer Mowi Scotland, which has licences for a combined standing biomass of 7,500 tonnes at three sites in Kilbrannan Sound – Carradale North, Carradale South, and North Kilbrannan. It also plans a high-energy site off the coast of Sanda Island, south of Campbeltown.

Mowi introduced the pupils to salmon farming through a video walkthrough of harvest-size fish, with a local manager explaining basic health checks, while the company’s salmon wagon served BBQ salmon sliders and noodle salads, helping pupils understand the journey from farm to plate.

Science and environmental roles were explored through activities led by SAMS and Seaweed Scotland, focusing on marine research, biodiversity, and efforts to protect wildlife, including work to reduce the risk of marine mammal entanglement.

Technology and innovation were highlighted through practical demonstrations with equipment supplier AKVA Group and salmon farmer Scottish Sea Farms, where pupils learned how equipment, digital tools, and virtual reality are used to support fish welfare and farm operations.

Interactive challenges

Feed supplier BioMar, smolt grower Hendrix Genetics, and Salmon Scotland ran interactive challenges exploring fish nutrition, breeding, and the range of skills and jobs available across the sector, from science and engineering to farming, logistics, and food production.

Suzanne Thomson, DYW coordinator for Campbeltown, Islay and Tarbert, said: “The aquaculture industry is one of the main employers in Campbeltown so it’s important that our students gain insight into the industry as a whole, as well as pathways into the range and diversity of local opportunities.

“Each guest company delivered immersive and interactive sessions giving our young people insight into the full process of fish farming from egg to plate, as well as highlighting some of the skillsets and modern technology utilised on a daily basis.

“Many local aquaculture employers offer modern and graduate apprenticeships so our young people can earn while they learn without having to leave the area full-time to go to university which in turn helps retain the population whilst building the local economy.”

Ongoing programme

The event formed part of Salmon Scotland’s ongoing schools programme, which works with partners to help young people understand the breadth of opportunities in coastal communities and consider careers close to home.

Around 11,000 jobs across Scotland depend on the sector, including around 1,100 in Argyll and Bute.

According to Salmon Scotland, salmon farming jobs pay an average of £44,500, around 16% above the national average, with the sector recruiting at all levels, from school-leavers and graduates to people already working in related fields, to meet growing demand.

Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott said: “Scotland’s salmon sector plays an important role in supporting jobs and communities across Kintyre and the wider west coast.

“Seeing pupils in Campbeltown getting hands-on with the science, technology and environmental side of salmon farming is a great reminder of how broad and innovative the sector has become.

“We’re very grateful to Campbeltown Grammar School and all the partners involved in making the event such a success, and we hope it has helped pupils think about the opportunities available close to home.”