Cooke gets green light for new salmon farm in Shetland

Cooke Scotland has won planning permission for a new salmon farming site located off Vementry, Shetland.

The fish farmer said the approval by Shetland Islands Council followed a detailed assessment process and marked an important step in the company’s plans for Shetland.

Cooke Scotland’s Shetland regional manager David Brown said: “We appreciate the careful consideration given to the application throughout the regulatory process and we are excited to move forward with the project.

“The approval of this development reflects years of planning, environmental assessment and engagement with local stakeholders.”

The company said it had worked closely with regulators, local communities, industry stakeholders, and environmental specialists to ensure the proposal met the required standards, and will continue to maintain an open dialogue as the project moves forward.

1,350-tonne MAB

The new site comprises of ten 120-metre circumference pens, with a proposed maximum allowed biomass (MAB) of 1,350 tonnes - creating up to four full-time, year-round job positions to service the farm. A feed barge will be permanently moored to the south of the pen group.

Cooke said the project will contribute to the long-term viability of its Shetland operations, supporting local businesses and investment in island communities.

“Our Vementry site will not only increase the capacity to meet growing consumer demand for salmon but will also provide new employment and training opportunities as well as investment in Shetland’s infrastructure and services, while supporting local suppliers and contractors,” said Brown.

Cooke said environmental stewardship, fish welfare, biosecurity, and community engagement will continue to be central to the project’s development and operation. Subject to operational planning conditions, development of the site is expected to commence in 2027.

The Scottish salmon sector is one of Shetland's most important rural economic engines, sustaining approximately 1,000 jobs in Shetland, according to analysis from BiGGAR Economics for trade body Salmon Scotland.

Cooke has seawater sites off the east coast of the islands of Yell and Unst, and off the west coast of mainland Shetland. It also operates a processing factory in Yell and freshwater sites in Unst.