Steelhead trout farmer nets awards in Edinburgh and Inverness in same week
Scottish steelhead producer Kames Fish Farming Ltd is celebrating a double win at this year’s Marks and Spencer Select Farm Awards, hosted at the 2025 Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh, with honours recognising both pioneering innovation and exceptional new talent within the company.
The family-run company, based at Loch Melfort, is the only UK producer of sea-grown rainbow trout, marketed as “Scottish steelhead”. Last week, founder Stuart Cannon was awarded the Innovation Award, while Kames’ fish health manager Andre Van took home the Emerging Talent Award.
Cannon started Kames back in 1972 with a mission to raise fish in harmony with nature, with animal welfare a priority. Over the past 15 years, he has led a groundbreaking broodstock programme, ensuring fish are bred from a unique, sea-loving strain suited to Scottish waters.
Fish vaccines
His legacy also includes pioneering fish vaccines, setting up academic partnerships, and pushing for better fish health education – work that has earned him multiple industry awards and an MBE for services to sustainable development.
“Stuart Cannon is a shining example of what long-term innovation and care can achieve,” said Steve McLean, head of agriculture at M&S. “His work is shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture.”
In what proved to be a stellar week for Kames, Cannon was also awarded the Outstanding Contribution prize at the Aquaculture Awards in Inverness, where senior husbandry operative Cameron Carmichael was also highly commended for his extensive contributions to the local community.
Cannon’s M&S award was therefore picked up by his son, Andy, and grandson, Christopher.
Inspiring a generation
Andre Van joined Kames straight from university in 2018 and has impressed as a passionate champion for fish health and welfare. He’s built the farm’s first-ever fish health department, turning complex science into everyday best practice across all Kames sites.
“Andre is the future of farming – curious, committed, and full of bright ideas,” said Steve McLean. “He’s not just improving animal health – he’s inspiring the next generation of farmers too.”
Kames employs around 60 people and produces 2,500 tonnes of steelhead trout a year.
“This is a proud moment for us,” said Stuart Cannon. “It’s not just a win for Kames – it’s a win for sustainable, Scottish farming. It proves that doing things the right way, for the fish and for the environment, really does pay off.”
