Mowi Scotland received unanimous council approval on November 28, 2023, for its salmon farm proposal in Kintyre’s Kilbrannan Sound which will create 10 permanent jobs and lead to substantial investment to reinvigorate the local community harbor in Carradale.

Designed to have minimal visual impact on the environment, the new farm—North Kilbrannan—will include twelve 120 m compact circular cages with a 400-ton feed barge and hold a maximum of 2,475 tons of Atlantic salmon.

“We are very pleased to have received unanimous support from Argyll and Bute Council for this development at Kilbrannan Sound,” says Ben Hadfield, COO at Mowi Scotland. “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.

The North Kilbrannan salmon farm development will create 10 direct jobs on site and many more indirectly within the country’s aquaculture supply chain, supporting both the rural and Scottish economies.

During the North Kilbrannan farm application, Mowi had also engaged the Carradale community on a proposal to rejuvenate Carradale’s iconic harbor facility. The company’s investment will see the construction of a purpose-built shore base, storage facilities and new pontoon. Community engagement for the harbor upgrade will continue to ensure positive social and economic impacts are realized.

Digital rendering of the harbor development. (Image credit: Mowi Scotland)

On the harbor revitalization, Ben adds: “As well as improving a vital amenity for locals and helping service growing business interest and community development, we hope the regeneration will help reinvigorate Carradale Harbour as it has experienced throughout its history. Mowi Scotland has a longstanding history of successful development where Mowi has expanded and improved its business, and at the same time ensured lasting and large-scale community benefits. The whole team at Mowi is particularly proud of the Carradale Harbour regeneration and we are humbled and grateful for the support of the Carradale community.”

Mowi Scotland’s Head of Environment, Stephen MacIntyre, led the project and echoes Ben’s comments: “Our business at Carradale has enjoyed strong community support even during our most challenging times. We are very grateful for this support, and want to expand our business in a way that not only benefits our company, but also benefits Carradale and neighboring communities.”

For more information, please see this short video about the farm and harbor development.