Mowi wins planning approval for Kilbrannan Sound farm

Mowi Scotland has secured planning approval for a new salmon farm off the coast of Kintyre, on Scotland’s west coast.

The farm, at Kilbrannan Sound, is expected to create 10 permanent jobs and is also linked to a major investment by Mowi in the local community harbour in Carradale. The company’s investment will see the construction of a purpose-built shore base, storage facilities and new pontoon.

The proposal received unanimous council approval on 28 November. the new farm – North Kilbrannan – will include 12 x 120m compact circular cages with a 400 tonne feed barge and will hold a maximum of 2,475 tonnes of Atlantic salmon.

Mowi Scotland already operates a farm nearby at Carradale.

Ben Hadfield, Mowi Scotland

Ben Hadfield, COO at Mowi Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to have received unanimous support from Argyll and Bute Council for this development at Kilbrannan Sound. Over the past five years our teams of marine biologists, oceanographers and data analysts have listened and responded to local concerns raised and highlighted the many economic and sustainability credentials of the development. With this approval we look forward to moving ahead to expand on the local and national benefits our business provides.”

Mowi’s award as the world’s most sustainable protein producer received from the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index for the fifth year running was cited by the committee as, was the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment that supported the application.

Mowi said that, following the decision, community engagement for the harbour upgrade will continue to ensure positive social and economic impacts are realised.