Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, visited Bakkafrost Scotland’s Applecross facility in Wester Ross, where he joined Angus Campbell, chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to unveil a plaque recognising HIE and Scottish Government support for the site.
Mr Fairlie was welcomed to Applecross on Wednesday, July 1, by managing director Ian Laister and met staff to learn more about the system.
The Applecross recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) represents a multi-million-pound investment and supports around 40 skilled local jobs.
The facility is central to Bakkafrost Scotland’s ‘one summer at sea’ strategy, which allows salmon to spend longer growing in controlled freshwater conditions before transferring to sea as larger, stronger smolt.
The approach reduces the time fish spend at sea, limiting their exposure to natural challenges and supporting improved fish welfare.
The site is powered directly by renewable energy, including on-site solar and hydro generation, and uses significantly less water than traditional hatcheries.
It also includes plans for pioneering pyrolysis technology, which will convert hatchery waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material that can improve soil quality for forestry.
Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, said:
“Aquaculture is a significant contributor to our economy, providing a low-carbon source of protein and well-paid, highly skilled jobs, particularly in rural and island communities.
“We are clear that the sector must minimise its environmental impact to ensure a sustainable future, maintaining the right balance across our economic, environmental and social responsibilities.
“I was pleased to meet with staff and hear about how the support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government, through the Marine Fund Scotland, has helped the state-of-the-art site use advanced technology to enhance production, support the skilled workforce, and reduce the environmental impact of the hatchery.”
The Applecross facility was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal earlier this year and last month won the prestigious Sustainability Award at the Aquaculture Awards.
Operating 24 hours a day, the site supports roles across biology, veterinary, engineering, energy and technical operations.
Bakkafrost Scotland said Applecross shows how government, enterprise agencies, local partners and industry can work together to support sustainable economic development in rural communities.
The company has worked with local partners including the Applecross Trust, Foster Turner Hydro and regional suppliers to develop the site, including renewable energy infrastructure and wider community benefits.
The facility forms part of Bakkafrost Scotland’s wider investment in modern salmon farming, with a focus on fish welfare, renewable energy and more resilient operations.
Angus Campbell, chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said:
“The research and development taking place here will help transform the aquaculture sector, increasing productivity rates and reducing environmental impact.
“The bold world-leading innovation in the pyrolysis facility will turn what was once a waste product into something that actively benefits the environment. This contributes to the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the project, alongside our colleagues in the Scottish Government, and look forward to continuing to work with Bakkafrost to maximise the benefits of this important investment.”
Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland, said:
“Applecross shows what can be achieved when industry, government and local communities work together with a shared ambition for sustainable growth.
“This facility represents a new approach to salmon farming in Scotland, helping us improve fish welfare, create skilled rural jobs and invest for the long term in the Highlands.
“We are grateful for the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government in helping bring this project forward, and it was a pleasure to welcome the minister to Applecross to see first-hand how innovation and collaboration are helping shape the future of sustainable salmon farming.
“We want Scotland to remain at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture, and partnerships like this are essential to achieving that ambition.”
Scotland’s marine minister has been given a first-hand look at a pioneering approach to salmon farming designed to improve fish welfare and create skilled rural jobs.
