THREE BUSINESSES in Argyll and Bute are sharing Scottish Government marine funding worth more than £750k.
The awards, part of the government’s support for marine industries and coastal communities will benefit Cairndow, Kames and Otter Ferry.
The largest award, worth £567k, is going to Cooke Aquaculture in Cairndow. That will help the business to develop a full recirculating aquaculture system at Cairndow to boost smolt production while improving environmental sustainability and fish welfare.
The company’s mission is to continue to enhance its core business and seek new opportunities for growth through the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of its people.Cookesaiditis
committedtosustainability. Cooke’s vision is to be the world leader in seafood through complete vertical integration across a broad selection of species; and declared its purpose to be cultivating the ocean with care, to nourish the world, provide for families and build
stronger communities. The award will help to fund the Cairndow development, worth almost£4m.
Otter Ferry Seafish has been awarded almost £140k. That will go towards creating 18 jobs in the medium to long term by upgrading and optimising its infrastructure.
The company is recognised for its innovation in sustainable aquaculture. It said it is blessed to be in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and strives to look after the immediate environment, as well as making the most of the natural resources available.
This latest Otter Ferry Seafish development is worthalmost£300k.
Kames Fish Farming, Scotland’s oldest family fish farm, has pioneered the best in aquaculture techniques for decades. It said its values of quality, sustainability and community run through everything it does.
It has been awarded almost £56k towards a £112k project to repurpose an existing trout site into a secure broodstock holding facility. It will support the long-term sustainability and genetic health of Scottish trout.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’smarineeconomy is crucial to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our rural, coastal and island communities.
“Since 2021 the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more than £70 million in grants to 390 projects, facilitating a total of £150 million of investment, supporting jobs and communities right around our coastline and throughoutourislands.”
