Scottish Sea Farms delight as Scalloway factory opens

Jim Gallagher and Tavish Scott

An important day for Scottish Sea Farms as Tavish Scott MSP opens the company's new processing plant in Scalloway.

Scottish Sea Farms officially opened its new salmon factory in Scalloway on Monday 4th December.

Jim Gallagher (Managing Director) explained that around £1.8 million had been spent buying and refurbishing the buildings on Blackness Pier and bringing in new equipment with help from EU and Highlands and Islands Enterprise grants.

Currently the Shetland operation accounts for around one-third of our entire Scottish production capacity and this is set to increase to around half its total in 2008.
The entire workforce from Sand has moved to the new factory, and has allowed the re-establishment of the Seli Voe farm (accessible from the Sand pier), resulting in the recruitment of an extra 12 people.
At Monday's opening MSP Tavish Scott said he was very pleased to see the company investing in processing in Shetland.

He said: "Sustainable fish farming businesses need to take a long-term view and I want to see Scottish Sea Farms as part of the local economy for many years to come. This investment in processing shows that commitment, which is a very positive step for aquaculture in Shetland."

Jim Gallagher thanked all for attending and said "We see a really bright future for our operation in Shetland. We're here for the long term."