Former feed boss takes helm at Skye salmon farmer

Isle of Skye salmon farmer Organic Sea Harvest (OSH) has announced the appointment of former Cargill Aqua Nutrition Scotland boss James Deverill as managing director.

Deverill, who started his new role today, takes over the work of former OSH chief executive, Ove Thu, who has become the company’s chairman.

Thu said: “The board of directors are pleased to welcome James with his management and aquaculture expertise to Organic Sea Harvest. His insight into salmon farming will strengthen our operations and be a valuable asset to our outstanding team.”

Deverill, who has degrees and a doctorate in aquaculture from the University of Stirling, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the OSH team and look forward to get to know the employees and the operations.”

5,000 tonnes

He spent more than seven years at salmon feed supplier EWOS (Cargill Aqua Nutrition Scotland), the last three as managing director.

Before joining EWOS he spent 10 months as research and innovation director for the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, after several years with health and safety companies in Nottinghamshire.

OSH operates two farms at Culnacnoc and Invertote off the northeast coast of Skye, and has failed to win permission for two further sites at Balmaqueen and Flodigarry, to the north of its existing farms, despite taking both applications to appeal.

Its Culnacnoc and Invertote farms have a combined standing biomass limit of 5,000 tonnes.