OPINION
'Scotland's salmon sector is ready to invest, but that depends on supportive policies'
Voters in Scotland will go to the polls on Thursday to elect the next Scottish Government. In this opinion article, Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, sets out what that government must do to help the sector keep pace with other fish farming countries and realise its potential to further boost remote coastal communities, food security, and the country's exports.
As the Holyrood election campaign enters its final days, Scotland’s salmon sector has a clear message for the next parliament and government. It is essential that this economic opportunity is both recognised and supported.
Scottish salmon is one of the country’s most valuable food exports, contributing almost £1 billion to the economy each year, supporting thousands of skilled jobs. Jobs that sustain coastal and island communities around Scotland. From farm to processing to supply chain businesses, the sector underpins local economies in areas where few alternative industries can deliver this scale of employment and investment.
A way to unlock economic growth is to put salmon farming firmly within the Scottish Government’s economy portfolio. This would ensure that our businesses are recognised as a key contributor to national growth, food security, and export success. Other departments of government would continue to play a key role in effective regulation.
Competing nations are not standing still ... As others accelerate investment and deployment of new technologies, Scotland has unrealised potential and risks missing the full benefit of its natural advantages.
That matters because the global context is changing quickly. Competing nations are not standing still. Growth in the Norwegian salmon sector alone last year exceeded the entire scale of Scotland’s current production. As others accelerate investment and deployment of new technologies, Scotland has unrealised potential and risks missing the full benefit of its natural advantages.
At a time of global uncertainty, cost-of-living pressures, and rising demand for high-quality protein, the ability to produce nutritious food at home is not just desirable. It is essential.
Scottish salmon delivers food security and provides a low-carbon source of protein while driving economic value across the country. It is strategic, domestically produced food that contributes directly to food security and rural resilience.
Clear potential
The opportunity ahead is significant. There is clear potential to increase value, support more high-quality jobs, expand export markets, and drive further investment into coastal communities. Growth is about doing things better through technology, innovation and efficiency, not simply doing more of the same.
The sector is ready to invest, innovate, and continue improving. But realising that potential depends on a supportive policy environment targeted to build sustainable economic development.
The system is too slow, too complex, and too uncertain ... For businesses and supply chain partners alike, this means missed opportunities, reduced competitiveness, and slower economic progress, outcomes that benefit neither communities nor the environment.
At present, the system is too slow, too complex, and too uncertain. Lengthy and fragmented consenting processes delay decisions and reduce confidence. For businesses and supply chain partners alike, this means missed opportunities, reduced competitiveness, and slower economic progress, outcomes that benefit neither communities nor the environment.
A more streamlined and predictable framework would unlock substantial benefits. Faster, clearer decision-making would enable investment in new technology, infrastructure, and innovation. It would also support continued improvements in fish health, environmental performance, and operational efficiency.
This is about maintaining high standards, while creating a system that is clearer, more consistent, and better aligned with outcomes. Smart regulation, grounded in robust science and real-world evidence, delivers stronger environmental outcomes alongside economic benefit. Regulation should evolve as evidence evolves, with transparent processes that support continuous improvement over time.
A whole-system view
There is also a wider shift required in how the sector is assessed and understood. Salmon farming should be assessed fully for its contribution to economic growth, food security, and rural development, alongside its environmental responsibilities. That means taking a whole-system view that recognises jobs, supply chains, exports, local investment, and continuous environmental improvement.
Scottish salmon is a strategic, domestically produced food that contributes to food security, supports rural resilience, and plays a central role in Scotland’s wider economic story. Its impacts and benefits should be assessed across the whole system, not through single-issue debates.
The next government has a clear choice. It can continue with a system that slows progress, or it can take a more focused, economic approach that enables growth while maintaining high standards.
With growing global demand and new market opportunities emerging, Scotland has the natural advantages, expertise, and reputation to lead. But leadership cannot be taken for granted.
The next government has a clear choice. It can continue with a system that slows progress, or it can take a more focused, economic approach that enables growth while maintaining high standards.
The Scottish salmon sector stands ready to work in partnership to deliver that growth. We bring investment, expertise, and a proven track record of continuous improvement.
What is needed now is clarity of purpose and the confidence to act.
The opportunity is real. Delivery now matters.
