Wester Ross boss happy in the spotlight
‘Ambassador’ award will help me promote salmon sector says Bradley
If there’s one thing that makes Wester Ross Fisheries managing director Gilpin Bradley happier than being at the edge of a salmon cage, it’s being there when there are customers to show off his fish to, or when there’s a TV camera pointing at him.
So, receiving the title of “Ambassador of the Year 2022” at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards last week put a big smile on his face.
“I am incredibly honoured to have received the award and delighted that the role will provide opportunities for me to promote awareness of the sector and of these awards throughout the coming year,” said Bradley, whose promotional activities have included an appearance on Nadiya’s Time To Eat on BBC2.
Heritage helps prices
“It is our Highlands and Islands heritage at Wester Ross that is the backbone of our export marketing success and has given us a unique opportunity to achieve premium pricing.
“These awards are always a collaborative achievement, and it is thanks to our team of hands-on sea farmers that we are able to produce an artisan salmon of premium quality.”
Bradley, who has been MD of Wester Ross Fisheries for 32 years, sold the company to salmon farming giant Mowi earlier this year but is continuing to run the business.
“We have a strong brand that Mowi have ring fenced and we will continue to be out there, in the marketplace,” he said.
Steering group
The venue for the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards was the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, a place Bradley remembers from an earlier age.
The entrepreneurial Bradley was a fisherman as a teenager, catching lobsters and prawns which he would sell to a few hotels, one of which was the Kingsmills.
Bradley will join the steering group for the 2023 awards which seek to recognise and celebrate unique, innovative and forward thinking individuals whose businesses are rooted in their Highlands and Islands heritage.
