Cooke Scotland has marked the start of construction on a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility at its salmon hatchery in Cairndow, signalling a significant investment in sustainable fish production.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier this month, brought together local stakeholders, employees and political representatives to launch what is set to become the company’s largest single capital project in Scotland.
“This groundbreaking event signals a major step forward for our freshwater operations to increase the supply of bigger, healthier smolts for our sites for years to come,” said Colin Blair, managing director of Cooke Scotland.
“As the largest single capital project Cooke Scotland has commissioned, this development aligns with our commitment to fish welfare as well as growing the business responsibly and sustainability.”
“We’re thankful for the grant support for this project which will double the workforce at the hatchery.
“It will also further sustain and create more long-term, well-paid jobs throughout the company and supply chain – presenting more opportunities for local people to work in the rural communities they live in.”
The RAS facility will allow hatchery staff to produce larger and more robust smolts under tightly controlled conditions, supporting improved survival rates when transferred to sea sites. Once complete, the system will exceed the scale of the company’s existing RAS at Furnace Hatchery and is expected to be operational next year, with the first eggs arriving in late 2027.
The project has received funding support from Marine Fund Scotland and is being developed in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
