A majority of Scots living near salmon farms support the sector, according to the results of an independent poll.
Residents said that salmon farms provide jobs for local people, help to improve the local economy and provide a high-quality product that Scotland can be proud of.
“This poll shows that most people living near salmon farms in rural Scotland are supportive of salmon farming and appreciate the jobs this provides,” said Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, formerly the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation.
Carried out at the beginning of February, the poll by Ipsos Scotland surveyed adults in Argyll and Bute, north-west Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles. In all five areas where salmon farms are based, favourability was higher than opposition with 54% of those with at least some knowledge of the sector in favour, compared with 23% in opposition.
Salmon farms support around 10,000 jobs in Scotland, and overseas sales of salmon exceeded £600 million last year, reaffirming its place as the UK’s largest food export.
But there are concerns that the growth of salmon farming in Iceland and Scandinavia could squeeze the Scottish sector and hold back the economic potential for rural communities.
Recently, Professor Russel Griggs published a report for the Scottish Government recommending a change in regulations which would help the sector to grow and better invest in local communities.
“We conducted this independent research among our neighbours as it’s important that we listen to local communities,” said Tavish Scott. “Salmon farmers work hard to earn and keep the trust of the communities they live and work in.”
