Fish farm jobs announced by Marine Harvest

The sites at Stulaigh, near Loch Eynort on South Uist and Helisay in the Sound of Barra, will employ 12 staff and produce up to 8,000 tonnes of salmon over a 22 month farming cycle, the Stornoway Gazette reports.

As Alan Sutherland, Managing Director of Marine Harvest Scotland told the local newspaper: “Demand for Scottish salmon continues to be strong and the Western Isles of Scotland is a wonderful environment in which to grow our fish. In October 2009 we announced our plans to expand in Scotland and since then we have been carrying out extensive analysis to identify the best locations and submit planning applications.

“These two sites are a clear demonstration of our commitment to the Western Isles and to Scotland.”

The moorings for both farms will be put in place next month followed by the fish farm pens. The farm will be stocked with smolts in April.

A further three potential sites have been identified and early consultation with local communities is underway in these areas.