UK fisheries minister explores how Scottish salmon farming boosts local economies

The Labour MP toured Scottish Sea Farms’ Vidlin salmon farm and processing facility at Gremista, Lerwick which, along with other sites, provide well-paid year-round jobs across the islands.

Mr Zeichner praised the sector’s vital role in supporting local communities and stressed the importance of working with aquaculture to strengthen food security.

He was welcomed to Vidlin on Thursday by Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, Jim Gallagher, managing director of Scottish Sea Farms, and Richard Darbyshire, the company’s Shetland regional manager.

He also met with head of processing Donald Buchanan and other company workers.

Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with recent HMRC figures showing international sales on course for a new record after jumping by 41 percent to £431 million in the first six months of 2024.

Further analysis by trade body Salmon Scotland reveals that Shetland's exports surged to more than £150 million over the past year, directly supporting 470 local jobs.

A regional breakdown of HMRC figures shows that 17,200 tonnes of salmon worth £153 million were exported from Shetland in the 12 months to June.

Scotland's farm-raised salmon sector directly employs more than 2,500 people in Scotland and supports over 3,600 suppliers and an additional 10,000 indirect jobs.

The new Labour government has highlighted the importance of salmon farming to the economy and pledged to promote nutritious fish as part of a “Brand Scotland” initiative, using the UK’s network of embassies and consulates.

Mr Zeichner was appointed as a Defra minister on July 8 and previously served in the shadow fisheries role since January 2020.

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said:

“It has been insightful to see firsthand the work of our dedicated salmon farmers and hear their views for a sustainable future for this iconic Scottish product.

"Only by engaging with industry can we create more secure, sustainable, and economically successful fishing and aquaculture sectors that will in-turn support local communities.

“From boosting fishing opportunities to knocking down obstructive trade barriers, this government will work to support the UK’s great fisheries and aquaculture businesses, including those in the Shetland Islands and across Scotland.

“Food security is national security, and working with our seafood sector is key to achieving that.”

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland said:

“Having the UK Minister responsible for salmon farming in Shetland so early in his new job is excellent.

“We welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to growing the economy and securing a new trade arrangement with the EU which would be very important for salmon exports and all of the seafood industry.

“I am particularly pleased that Daniel has taken time this week to meet skilled local fish farmers to see for himself their dedication to the salmon in their care.

“We look forward to working with Daniel and his UK Government colleagues to export even more Scottish salmon and bring additional wealth to the country.”

Richard Darbyshire, Scottish Sea Farms’ regional manager for Shetland, said:

“Nothing beats seeing firsthand the investments being made in our infrastructure and fish husbandry practices, and the quality of salmon being produced from Shetland’s waters.

“It’s results like these that give us, as a regional team and as a company, the drive to grow our operations further — and, hopefully, give stakeholders even more reason to champion this low-impact food source.”