Scottish Government bow to pressure from salmon industry

The move, encompassing large companies as well as small and medium-sized ones, follows last week’s announcement of a £1.5 million support package for SMEs following the outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA). The package was criticised by the Scottish Salmon Farming producer’s Organisation (SSPO) for excluding the majority of salmon producing companies in Shetland.

Additionally, the government also confirmed that money from the European Fisheries Fund is available to help eligible companies to develop and grow their aquaculture.

"It is vital that we do everything we can to support Scottish aquaculture."

Moreover, Ms Cunningham said she is expecting to launch a new Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture in the near future, which will set out how government and industry will work together to foster the sustainable growth of aquaculture in Scottish waters.

In the meeting, Ms Cunningham also agreed to raise with Minister for Enterprise Jim Mather, the salmon industry's interest in securing support for skills development and training support for employees in companies in Shetland, and elsewhere, which have been affected by ISA.

Speaking after the meeting, Phil Thomas, Chairman of the SSPO, said: "It was a constructive and useful meeting that recognised that the industry in Shetland needs to continue to develop, notwithstanding the recent setback as a result of the occurrence of ISA."Also attending the meeting, which had been sought by the SSPO following the announcement of the financial support package, was SSPO Chief Executive Scott Landsburgh.