Wester Ross Fisheries names former Mowi area manager as Head of Farming

by
Editorial Staff

Wester Ross Fisheries was the oldest independent, owner-operated salmon farm in Scotland.

Mowi-subsidiary Wester Ross Fisheries has appointed Connie Pattillo as Head of Farming Operations.

The move comes following the retirements of Directors David Robinson and Gilpin Bradley in 2023.

Bradley was managing director of Wester Ross Salmon for 33 years – a company his father co-founded in 1977. He was also former chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, now known as Salmon Scotland.

Pattillo’s career in aquaculture began after completing a four-year Marine Biology degree at Stirling University.

Originally from Australia, she moved to the UK and initially worked for an outdoor activity company for four years, teaching skills like canoeing and abseiling. It wasn’t until her final year at university, while working on a thesis about lumpfish, that she discovered the diverse career opportunities in aquaculture. This interest led her to a role at the wrasse hatchery in Machrihanish, marking her entry into the industry.

Pattillo has since progressed through various positions, including cleanerfish technician, health manager, and farm manager. Most recently, she was promoted to Mowi Area Manager for Uist and Barra.

Founded in 1977 by Robin Bradley and Alan Mann, Wester Ross Fisheries was the oldest independent, owner-operated salmon farm in Scotland and operates three seawater sites in Loch Kannaird, Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom, with a processing unit and a sales and administration office in Dingwall.

In 2020, Wester Ross Fisheries had a turnover of £16.15 million and made an operating profit of £2.62 million. Profit after tax and interest was £2.2 million, and net assets were valued at £10 million.

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