Mowi Scotland marks 60 years of salmon farming operations.
Mowi Scotland is celebrating 60 years since the first generation of farmed salmon was stocked into Lochailort in 1965, marking the start of what has become one of Scotland’s most important rural industries.
“I guess you can imagine their days were full of hard work, optimism and problem solving at every turn. Sixty years on, our days are still full of hard work, optimism and problem solving at every turn,” said Ben Hadfield, MD Mowi Scotland and COO for Scotland, Faroes, Ireland & Canada East.
“What has changed, however, is the scale of our business and its positive impact throughout the Highlands and Islands. Thanks to the hard work and determination of all our colleagues, past and present, we have built one of Scotland’s largest companies.”
Mowi plans to harvest over 70,000 tonnes of Scottish salmon in 2025, with operations spanning from farming to processing and sales. Its presence across some of the Highlands and Islands’ most remote areas supports rural economies and provides employment in regions where job opportunities are often limited.
In addition to direct employment, Mowi supports communities through initiatives including housing support, coastline clean-ups, sponsoring local sports teams, and participating in school careers events. Its Mowi Salmon Wagon will continue to appear at events in 2025 to raise money for local causes.
Trade body Salmon Scotland marked the milestone, with chief executive Tavish Scott commenting: “Since the first salmon were put to sea in Lochailort, Mowi Scotland has gone from strength to strength, becoming the biggest producer of Scottish salmon and one of the biggest employers and contributors to the Highlands and Islands’ economy.”
“This scale has enabled the company to drive innovation in the sector, with a string of ‘firsts’ helping to transform salmon farming from a cottage industry to the modern, science-led, and globally renowned sector it is today.”
Mowi’s processing operations have also expanded significantly. Its Consumer Products UK (CPUK) site in Rosyth, Fife, marks its 10th anniversary this year. Starting with 43 employees in 2015, the site now employs up to 1,000 staff at peak periods. The facility is the UK’s largest salmon processing plant and has benefited from £30 million in investment.
Bertil Buysse, MD of Mowi Consumer Products Western Europe, said: “Each member of our team played a crucial role in turning our dream of becoming the biggest UK salmon processor into a reality. Together, we’ve faced challenges and become a versatile and agile site through long hours and unwavering commitment to high standards.”
Looking ahead, Mowi has a number of projects planned for 2025, including:
- Completion of the next phase of its processing facility upgrade at Blar Mhor in Fort William.
- The opening of a new broodstock facility at Ardessie.
- The launch of its Inchmore Visitor Experience.
- Official opening of An Faire Mor community housing on Colonsay, developed in partnership with the Colonsay Community Development Company.
- Development of a new offshore farm in South Uist at Stulaigh South, with planning permission already granted. The site will create seven jobs and operate 6x200m pens.
Mowi also continues to pursue full ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification across its Scottish operations, with all farms expected to meet the standard in 2025.
The company also remains a key sponsor of the Camanachd Association, supporting the sport of shinty across Scotland.
“From those pioneering fish farmers 60 years ago putting the first smolts into the sea, to those innovating within our business and contributing to the wider industry today, we can all take pride to have been part of 60 years of Mowi Scotland,” Hadfield said.