Emma Roddick MSP, representing the Highlands and Islands, recently visited Cooke Scotland’s operations in Shetland to observe the impact of salmon farming on rural communities.
During the visit, Roddick was shown Cooke’s investments in ensuring the health and welfare of its salmon at the Vatsetter farm on the Isle of Yell. She also toured the Yell Processing Factory, where she met with local staff and witnessed how the company sustains remote communities by providing skilled and well-paid jobs.
Scottish salmon farming plays a crucial role in Shetland’s economy, with Cooke being the major employer on the Isle of Yell. The sector supports over 400 direct and 1,200 indirect jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy, where aquaculture is the largest economic driver.
David Brown, Cooke Scotland’s Shetland Regional Manager, and Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, accompanied Roddick during her visit.
Roddick, who is also a member of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee (RAIC), stated that her visit provided valuable insights into the sector’s contributions to local employment and animal welfare, particularly as she participates in an ongoing inquiry into Scottish salmon farming.
“As I’m taking part in an inquiry which is ongoing into salmon farming, I felt it was important to see things for myself up close, and I enjoyed feeding the fish and learning more about how to spot sickness in salmon. The workers in Yell obviously care about the animals they farm and the quality of the product at the end of the process and I look forward to continuing to learn about the industry as the inquiry seeks to answer questions, which land agriculture also faces, on how to best improve sustainability.”
Brown emphasized the company’s commitment to animal welfare while building local commonities.
“The visit was an opportunity to highlight our commitment to providing long-term employment to some of the UK’s most remote communities, and how our local investment helps businesses to thrive and attracts people and their families to live on the islands.”
Scott highlighted the importance of visits by elected representatives to understand the realities of salmon farming and its impact on local communities.
Cooke Scotland is the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon. The seafood company’s operations in the north and west of Scotland and the north of England play a role in ensuring Scottish aquaculture continues to support 3,600 supply chain businesses, an industry worth more than £760 million to the Scottish economy.
