UK Fisheries Minister visits SSF Shetland sites

Salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms played host to the UK’s new Fisheries Minister, Daniel Zeichner, who visited one of the company’s farm sites and a processing centre in Shetland.

The minister toured Scottish Sea Farms’ Vidlin salmon farm and processing facility at Gremista, Lerwick.

Zeichner praised the sector’s vital role in supporting local communities and stressed the importance of working with aquaculture to strengthen food security.

He was welcomed to Vidlin on Thursday by Tavish Scott, Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, Jim Gallagher, Managing Director of Scottish Sea Farms, and Richard Darbyshire, the company’s Shetland Regional Manager.

He also met with Head of Processing Donald Buchanan and other company workers.

Pictured is Daniel Zeichner (centre) with Tavish Scott (left) and Jim Gallagher.

The new Labour government has highlighted the importance of salmon farming to the economy and pledged to promote nutritious fish as part of a “Brand Scotland” initiative, using the UK’s network of embassies and consulates.

Mr Zeichner was appointed as a Defra minister on July 8 and previously served in the shadow fisheries role since January 2020.

He said: “It has been insightful to see first hand the work of our dedicated salmon farmers and hear their views for a sustainable future for this iconic Scottish product.

“Only by engaging with industry can we create more secure, sustainable, and economically successful fishing and aquaculture sectors that will in turn support local communities.

“From boosting fishing opportunities to knocking down obstructive trade barriers, this government will work to support the UK’s great fisheries and aquaculture businesses, including those in the Shetland Islands and across Scotland.

“Food security is national security, and working with our seafood sector is key to achieving that.”

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Having the UK Minister responsible for salmon farming in Shetland so early in his new job is excellent.

“We welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to growing the economy and securing a new trade arrangement with the EU which would be very important for salmon exports and all of the seafood industry.

“I am particularly pleased that Daniel has taken time this week to meet skilled local fish farmers to see for himself their dedication to the salmon in their care.

“We look forward to working with Daniel and his UK Government colleagues to export even more Scottish salmon and bring additional wealth to the country.”