Local authorities have given the go-ahead for the latest addition to Mowi Scotland's farming facilities, with official approval granted to the company on 28 November for a new Atlantic salmon farm in Kilbrannan Sound on the west coast of Scotland.
Mowi Scotland already has a salmon farm in the area, Carradale North farm, which has been in operation for more than 13 years, and was Mowi's first salmon farm in Scotland to be located in a so-called "high energy" location - that is, in a more exposed sea area rather than a more sheltered loch-based site traditionally used for salmon aquaculture.
Mowi Scotland's new farm will be located 9km north of the existing facility in Kilbrannan Sound, and is expected to create 10 direct permanent jobs.
The development also sees Mowi pledging to "reinvigorate" the local community's harbour in Carradale, planning a major investment which will include constructing a purpose-built shore base, storage facilities and a new pontoon.
Mowi's farm application indicates the new facility design will have "minimal visual impact on the environment". The salmon farm will include 12 compact circular cages each with a diameter of 120 metres, served by a 400-tonne feed barge, with a maximum capacity of 2,475 tonnes of Atlantic salmon.
“We are very pleased to have received unanimous support from Argyll and Bute Council for this development at Kilbrannan Sound,” said Ben Hadfield, COO at Mowi Scotland.
“Over the past five years our teams of marine biologists, oceanographers and data analysts have listened and responded to local concerns raised and highlighted the many economic and sustainability credentials of the development. With this approval we look forward to moving ahead to expand on the local and national benefits our business provides.”
During the North Kilbrannan farm application, Mowi also engaged the Carradale community on its proposal, which the compnay says will "rejuvenate Carradale’s iconic harbour facility".
Mowi Scotland says it will continue engaging with the local community regarding the harbour upgrade, to ensure positive social and economic impacts are realised.
“As well as improving a vital amenity for locals and helping service growing business interest and community development, we hope the regeneration will help reinvigorate Carradale Harbour as it has experienced throughout its history," Hadfield said, commenting on the harbour regeneration project.
"Mowi Scotland has a longstanding history of successful development where Mowi has expanded and improved its business, and at the same time ensured lasting and large-scale community benefits. The whole team at Mowi is particularly proud of the Carradale Harbour regeneration and we are humbled and grateful for the support of the Carradale community," Hadfield said.
“Our business at Carradale has enjoyed strong community support even during our most challenging times," added Mowi Scotland’s Head of Environment, Stephen MacIntyre.
"We are very grateful for this support, and want to expand our business in a way that not only benefits our company, but also benefits Carradale and neighbouring communities.”