© Salmon Scotland
Salmon Scotland, the trade-body for Scotland’s salmon farming sector, has urged the nation’s First Minister to prioritise growth and job creation in this year’s Programme for Government, which sets out the government's proposed actions for the coming year. The appeal comes as Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves face tough financial outlooks and impose public spending curbs.
In a press release, Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, described Scottish salmon as “a bright spot for Scotland’s economy” and stressed the need for support to build on “giant leaps” in global sales.
Last year’s Programme for Government outlined a vision for the blue economy, highlighting Scottish salmon as a key component. However, Salmon Scotland claims that slow regulatory reform and under-resourced planning departments are stalling the sustainable growth and revenues needed to support public services. Salmon Scotland, representing nearly 50 companies, 12,500 jobs, and contributing over £760 million to the economy, is urging ministers to deliver on their commitments to support growth and public services.
The trade body has also urged for action on Scotland’s housing emergency, in addition to a call for increased funding for planning authorities to speed up approvals for salmon farms and other projects, which would create jobs and boost the economy. Salmon Scotland would have the process for the approval of salmon farms, which currently requires the involvement of several regulatory bodies, heavily streamlined.
“We have the ability and aspiration to grow, but we need government to urgently reform the cumbersome regulatory and consenting landscape that is holding back salmon farmers,” said Scott.
