Wester Ross chief Gilpin Bradley retires

Salmon farming veteran Gilpin Bradley is retiring after a decades-long career in Scottish aquaculture.

Bradley was Managing Director of Wester Ross Salmon – the company his father Robin co-founded in 1977 – for 33 years. After selling the business to Mowi last year, he continued in the role during the transition to new ownership, and also became Business Development Director, Farming Scotland with Mowi.

In retirement, Bradley “will remain available to Mowi and the team at Wester Ross”, a company statement said.

Gilpin Bradley, who holds a business degree from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, is also a former chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (now Salmon Scotland).

He was named as 2022 Ambassador of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards, having already won the same award in 2013.

He is the founder of the Wester Ross Salmon Education Trust, set up to help pupils of Ullapool High School achieve their full career potential and to invest in the next generation of students who wish to pursue a sustainable lifestyle and a rewarding career in aquaculture, environmental studies, or STEM subjects.

Ben Hadfield, COO at Mowi Scotland, said: “Gilpin is such a respected and admired leader, with many farmers having learned their trade from Gilpin directly. His experience spans every part of the business’s value chain and is a key reason for the growth and success of the Wester Ross Salmon brand. He is a charming artisan, which is supported by the grit, resilience and know-how needed to meet all the challenges of farming salmon in Wester Ross for over three decades. I wish Gilpin the best for his very well-deserved retirement.”

Gilpin Bradley commented: “I am very pleased to have been part of Scottish salmon farming – one of the greatest private sector economic success stories in the Highlands and Islands in the last 50 years. Wester Ross has survived many challenging cycles by having a strong commitment from my dedicated team, some of whom are now third generation. Our focus on all natural artisan farming practices has created an enviable brand, and our unique approach is greatly appreciated by our long-standing loyal customers.”

Looking to retirement, Bradley said he expects to spend time focusing on his current health challenges, supporting his two teenage daughters and “finally achieving a sensible work-life balance”.