Ground broken for new RAS

The new RAS facility will replace the existing flow-through version which has been on the site for 38 years. Around five million smolts, as well as similar numbers of fry and parr, will be grown each year at the new building, which will have a workforce of 18.

If construction goes to plan, it is due to receive its first eggs in late 2017, which would allow for the hatchery's first smolts to be transferred to marine sites the following year. When combined with the output from the company's Lochailort RAS, which opened in 2013, it means that roughly half of Marine Harvest's smolts will be produced in recirculation systems by 2019.

Political support

At the opening ceremony, the first turf was cut by Highland Council leader, Councillor Margaret Davidson, who was joined by representatives from the West Glenmoriston Community Company and Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Council.

Councillor Davidson said: “I am delighted to see work on this new hatchery get underway. The salmon industry is very important to our economy and Scottish produce has a fantastic reputation across the world. It is good to see new developments in Glenmoriston and Marine Harvest have made a good start with excellent relations with local people. An increase in sustainable local employment opportunities is also very welcome.”

Business Support Manager at Marine Harvest Scotland, Steve Bracken, said he was delighted work was now starting on site, saying: “It is a much needed facility for us to grow our smolts in order to supply our expanding network of sea farms across the western Highlands and Islands. It is part of our plans to deliver an efficient and sustainable business with a long term future.”