Eday salmon farm, in the North of Orkney, has announced that it has completed a major expansion works.
The expansion hopes to create new jobs and significantly higher production levels, while doubling the capacity of the farm.
Phil Boardman, Eday site manager, said: “With a local population of less than 140, five new skilled jobs have been welcomed by the local community.”
“The remote location made recruitment difficult and required some ‘blue sky’ approaches. We specifically targeted those who were seeking a lifestyle change and the result is a great range of people from different and diverse backgrounds.”
Orkney is recognised in national surveys as one of the best places to live in the UK, but it can be difficult to attract skilled workers.
Claire Scott, SSF recruitment co-ordinator, explained: “We had to look at a number of different ways to reach out to both locals and people looking to relocate.”
“We used social media to full effect on this occasion, using Twitter and Facebook as well as advertising on digital and traditional job sites. This resulted in lots of interest from people who had no direct experience in fish farming but had transferable skills.”
The company interviewed a mix group of individuals and explained that it could be a risk to move from your existing home, change work place and relocate family.
Ms Scott added: “Feedback so far from the team is great and they are all very happy with their decision to join the SSF team in Orkney.”
The new recruits include Nick Power from Sutton, who had been working as an emergency medical technician and also as a security guard. He wanted a more stable and secure future for this family and had a keen interest in fish farming with previous experience working as a river keeper.
Ian Lucas was a cabinet maker polisher so his attention to detail was definitely a skill that could be transferred.
Mr Lucas has moved from Essex and he was looking for a new challenge: “The attraction to the job was working outdoors in the fresh air and being around water and fish. Orkney has beautiful scenery with friendly folk.”
Eday is now the largest Scottish Sea Farms site in Orkney and the waters are renowned for their fast flowing currents and high water quality.
To farm in such an environment has required a high level of investment in the latest state of the art mooring systems, anti-predator nets and circular cages.
The farm is expected to produce around 2,800 tonnes of salmon over the next 22 months, for sale in the UK market.
