New £1 million work boat for Loch Duart

The investment in its largest vessel to date has been supported by HIE. Its launch later this year will offer the business more freedom to transport its harvested fish under the very strict standards it adheres to.

A Noble and Sons are building the £950,000 twin-screw bow-loading vessel, which will be capable of crossing the Minch in Force 7 weather conditions.

HIE's Keith Muir said: "This new purpose-built vessel will allow Loch Duart to have total control over the timing of their harvest. Including this award, HIE has given support of almost £1 million over the past few years to accelerate the business' expansion into the Uists. Loch Duart is a well-established, profitable producer and a key employer in a fragile area of the Highlands and Islands."

The remote location is seen as an opportunity by the business. Nick Joy, Managing Director at Loch Duart, who said:

"Rural locations are often the areas where our food is produced and if we lose those areas we lose that capability. We have become fragile area experts, exploring the challenges, but benefiting from the area's resources. What we must remember is that Scotland's rural areas offer huge opportunities."

Loch Duart is one of two Scottish businesses announced as finalists for the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) 2011 Seafood Prix d'Elite new products competition. There are 38 finalists representing 14 countries. The winners will be unveiled at an awards ceremony on 3 May in Brussels, Belgium.