Scottish politicians laud salmon jobs and investment

Sarwar, who also addressed the Salmon Scotland AGM, said Scottish salmon is a key part of “Brand Scotland”, contributing to inward investment and exports. He also launched the Young Aquaculture Society, a new network for young people to develop connections and discover employment opportunities.

Speaking after his visit to Aquaculture UK, he said: “The Scottish salmon sector creates thousands of jobs here in Scotland and generates hundreds of millions of pounds for the economy.

“The salmon in our waters are a key part of ‘Brand Scotland’, contributing to inward investment and exports. Food and drink should be viewed as an economic asset, and we need to build the right business environment in Scotland to help sectors like this thrive with responsible growth and high animal welfare standards.

“It’s vital that Scotland is seen as open for business, and a Labour government will prioritise economic growth so that we can deliver more high-skilled jobs, enable rural communities to flourish, and invest more in public services.”

Arthur also highlighted the well-paid jobs and careers available in aquaculture, including for young people and particularly those in rural and island communities.

“We are committed to delivering increased employment and investment in Scotland. Our policy is to support sustainable growth, in the right places, and it will remain so as we work together to promote the benefits that the sector delivers for Scotland while ensuring protection for our shared natural environment,” he said.

Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott remarked that the Scottish salmon sector “rightly enjoys” cross-party political support in the Scottish parliament, and that its members appreciated hearing from both Sarwar and Arthur after a few weeks of political turmoil in Holyrood.

“The theme of this year’s AGM was ‘growing salmon, growing Scotland’, because when we grow salmon we are employing thousands of people, contributing hundreds of millions to the Scottish economy, and helping to put Scotland on the world map through our globally-recognised and renowned product – the country’s top food export.

“Scotland’s salmon farmers work all year round to take care of their fish and the beautiful marine environment we work in.

“We are playing our part in making Scotland to thrive and it was fascinating to hear the political parties’ plans to support our sector and grow the economy.”

Scottish salmon is the UK’s top food export, with international sales of around GBP 600 million, and is also the most popular fish among UK consumers. The sector directly employs 2,500 people, mainly in remote areas, and supports a further 10,000 jobs through the supply chain – generating more than GBP 760 million for the Scottish economy.