SSF Shetland manager moves on after 16 years

Smith, who has overseen SSF’s Shetland farms for 10 of his 16 years with the company, wants to spend more time with his family. 

“Leaving behind the company, my colleagues and Shetland itself after so many years is incredibly tough,” said Smith in a press release from SSF. “However, after a decade of travelling back and forth from my home on mainland, the time feels right to embark on a new career chapter involving less travel and allowing more time to spend with family.”

‘A genuinely nice guy’

SSF managing director Jim Gallagher said: “Graham and myself have worked together for all of his 16 years with the company, so it’s hard to see him go. That said, it’s a small and supportive sector and I’m confident we’ll see each other again soon once Graham has decided on his next role.

“Before then, I’d like to express my personal thanks for the commitment and loyalty he has shown Scottish Sea Farms, for the many hours spent travelling away from his family, for the knowledge and insights he has brought to the table, and for being a genuinely nice guy to work with.”

Marine Farm of the Year

Smith’s farming career began back in 1986 with husbandry roles at Otter Ferry Salmon, followed by Seabon Salmon in Loch Fyne. In the early 90s, Smith took on his first site manager roles with AquaScot where he was responsible for both freshwater and marine farms.

From there, he progressed to area manager for Mainstream Farming before joining Scottish Sea Farms in 2004 as farm manager of Loch Kishorn which went on to win Marine Farm of the Year at the Crown Estate Scotland Awards during Smith’s reign. 

SSF’s farming director Gideon Pringle will temporarily cover Smith’s Shetland role until a successor is recruited.