The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) has seen overseas exports increase in the first three months of 2014 with more than 40 per cent of its sales going to high-end retailers and restaurateurs in France and the US and also the emerging markets of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and China.
SSC employs more than 400 staff at 60 separate sites across the Highlands and Islands and West Coast, 90 per cent of them living and working in remote rural communities.
In the past three years, the company has invested £9 million in the Western Isles, spending £3.5 million with local suppliers.
Ahead of tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting in Stornoway, visiting the company’s sea pens on Benbecula, Minister for Parliamentary Business Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am delighted that these 40 new jobs have been created as the company continues its drive to capture a foothold in lucrative international markets. It is good news for the Western Isles economy.
“The Scottish Government is supporting investment to strengthen the islands traditional industries and to grow new industries of the future. We will also support ambitious Scottish companies as they access new markets.”
Managing Director, Craig Anderson of the Scottish Salmon Company said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister to our Uist operations.
“We are extremely proud of the salmon we produce for customers and clients worldwide and meeting the local managers and staff Mr Fitzpatrick will get a real sense of the passion and commitment that they have for their work.”
