Westminster MPs given food for thought

July’s UK General Election saw many new faces elected to the Westminster Parliament – and this morning several of them joined industry body Salmon Scotland at a breakfast briefing.

The event was hosted by Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton, and it brought together several new politicians as well as long-serving MPs.

Those attending the breakfast event on Wednesday included Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott and representatives of member companies.

The MPs heard that Scottish salmon is the UK’s largest food export, with international sales increasing by 41 per cent in the first half of 2024, driven by substantial growth in the Asian and American markets and generating £431 million in value over the six months alone.

Around 12,500 jobs are reliant on the sector, with supply chain roles in every part of Scotland.

Salmon is also highly nutritious and has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any protein production.

Torcuil Crichton, MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, said:  “Scottish salmon is due a boom in the next decade as global demand for good, low carbon and nutritious food grows.

“The challenge is to accommodate the expansion of farming while ensuring that communities reap the benefit of jobs and added value from this great Scottish product.”

Tavish Scott, chief executive of trade body Salmon Scotland, added: “It was great to be joined by so many of Scotland’s newest MPs and have the opportunity to highlight the impact our sector has in each of the nation’s 57 constituencies.

“MPs were able to meet with representatives from Scottish salmon producer companies and learn about the thousands of supply chain companies which contribute to the sector’s success.”