Business / Tavish celebrates local salmon farmers
EXPORT of Scottish salmon from Shetland to overseas destinations rose to £135 million last year, trade body Salmon Scotland has said.
A regional breakdown of the annual figures by the trade shows that 14,850 tonnes were exported from Shetland in 2023, representing almost a quarter of the Scotland-wide share, with sales up by more than 16 per cent year-on-year from £116 million.
The sector directly supports 470 jobs in the islands.
Former isles MSP and now chief executive of Salmon Scotland Tavish Scott said Scottish salmon continues to be in high demand across the globe.
“It is testament to the hard work of salmon farmers in Shetland and across rural Scotland that our fish has been named the UK’s largest food export in 2023,” he said.
“I pay tribute to Shetland farmers and all those working in often harsh conditions who care for their fish and raise them to the highest standards in the world.
“The Scottish salmon sector is ready to invest and create more jobs in places like Shetland, generating even more healthy meals and extra revenue for vital public services.”
He added that increased red tape following Brexit continues to add costs and delays to the industry, while the sector is keen to see streamlined reform of regulation in Scotland.
Ahead of this year’s general election, trade body Salmon Scotland has urged all political parties to support the country’s most important food sector.
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