Salmon inquiry committee member gets close-up look at fish farming
It was important to see things for myself, says MSP
A member of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee (RAIC) that is conducting an inquiry into Scottish salmon farming has visited Cooke Scotland’s Shetland operations.
Emma Roddick, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, was accompanied by David Brown, Cooke Scotland Shetland regional manager, and Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, on the trip to Vatsetter farm off Yell, and Cooke’s processing facility on the island.
“Fish farming plays an important role in Shetland’s local economy, particularly around the recruitment and retention of a local workforce. I enjoyed hearing directly from the team in Yell about the work going on to ensure fish health, prevent escapes and adapt to new technologies,” said Roddick.
“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.”
“It was a pleasure to host Emma and Tavish to allow them to see how we are prioritising animal welfare on our farms to continue responsibly growing sustainable, high-quality salmon to distribute to more than 16 different countries worldwide,” said Brown.
“The visit was also 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 said: “We welcome Scotland’s elected representatives visiting salmon farms, asking any questions they want and recognising the weather our farmers work in every day to look after the fish in their care. Emma Roddick MSP’s visit on a wet and blustery day in Shetland was fish farming as it so normally is and contrasts with a more sunny picture showing Scottish salmon exports are on track for their best year ever.”
