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From the Faroes to Scotland: the investment powering world-class aquaculture

Last updated: May 2026

Bakkafrost’s investment in Scotland will drive its aquaculture expansion, sustainable production and global competitiveness.

Investing in a £844 million salmon sector

Bakkafrost, based in the Faroe Islands, acquired the Scottish Salmon Company in 2019. The investment was the firm’s first farming operation outside its home territory.

Today, Bakkafrost Scotland operates from more than 45 sites across Scotland’s West Coast and Hebridean Islands. It employs around 400 people, and plays a central role in supporting the nation’s £844 million salmon sector with worldwide sales.

In May 2026, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, opened Bakkafrost Scotland’s multi-million pound Applecross facility, a major step forward in sustainable Scottish salmon production.

The Wester Ross facility has the UK’s largest freshwater Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), backing the firm's ambition to be the most sustainable Scottish salmon producer.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, opening the Applecross facility

  • Around 400 employees

    Bakkafrost Scotland employs more than 400 people across key roles in the aquaculture sector.

  • Scotland's £844 million salmon sector

    The company plays a central role in supporting the nation’s salmon sector with worldwide sales.

  • 45 sites across Scotland

    Scotland is a strategic home for Bakkafrost that unites world class salmon and an advanced enterprise environment. 

Netting Scotland's prolific seafood industry

Ian Laister, Managing Director, Bakkafrost Scotland, says: “Scotland has become a strategic home for Bakkafrost. It's a location that unites world-class salmon, skilled coastal communities and a forward-looking enterprise environment. Our investment is about building a resilient, low-impact aquaculture model that sets new standards for sustainable salmon farming.”

Under the acquisition, the former Scottish Salmon Company was formally rebranded as Bakkafrost Scotland, signalling a strategic and cultural alignment with a dynamic seafood industry.

The investment will encompass two overlapping phases, from 2022 to 2026 and 2025 to 2030, including: 

•    Development of freshwater RAS facilities
•    Increased smolt (young fish) production capacity
•    Marine farm infrastructure and vessels
•    Enhanced processing capability
•    Expanded marine production in the Outer Hebrides

Bakkafrost secured £3 million in Highlands and Islands (HIE) funding, and a further £2 million from Marine Fund Scotland for an RAS hatchery, a land-based, indoor facility that filters and reuses water to raise fish from eggs to juveniles. 

Contributing to Scotland’s net zero ambitions

Central to Bakkafrost Scotland’s strategy is investing in an integrated value chain that will span every stage of production. Bakkafrost’s continued investment is strengthening Scotland’s aquaculture future, securing inward capital that reinforces confidence in a globally significant sector. 

By scaling premium salmon production, Bakkafrost Scotland is boosting international trade potential, enhancing Scotland’s reputation for responsibly produced food. 

Investment in innovation and research and development (R&D) is accelerating advances in fish health, environmental performance and circular‑economy technologies. This will also benefit supply chains, vessels, engineering, construction and processing. Together, these actions will help deliver Scotland’s net zero ambitions through cleaner energy, reduced waste and low‑carbon production. 

A key example of this innovation is the 16‑mile private power cable that delivers 100% renewable energy to its Applecross RAS facility. Completed in 2025, the project brought significant infrastructure improvements to the Bealach na Bà road in resurfacing, new passing places and enhanced signage. 

Uniting key partners 

Bakkafrost Scotland’s progress has been supported by a coordinated agency approach that has helped to accelerate investment and simplify complex planning environments.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the company’s lead public sector partner, bringing together planning bodies and regulators. This has helped to transform the speed and transparency of marine and on shore decision making. The agencies ensure that Bakkafrost Scotland’s growth aligns with the nation’s wider aquaculture, sustainability and export ambitions.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) support has included:

•    Coordinating an efficient, multi-agency key agency planning model
•    £3 million funding for the Applecross RAS
•    £0.6 million for a pyrolysis facility to convert fish sludge to biochar
•    Strategic advice and investor servicing
•    Environmental innovation and sustainability support
•    Enhanced supply chain and R&D connections
•    Alignment with Scotland’s national blue economy and export strategies

This support has been vital to help Bakkafrost establish and expand its footprint in Scotland, according to the company.

Ian Laister, Managing Director, Bakkafrost Scotland, sums up: "Our journey into Scotland has shown what can be achieved when industry, communities and public sector partners work with a shared purpose. The support from HIE and Scottish Enterprise has helped unlock major infrastructure, accelerate innovation and create high-value jobs in some of Scotland’s most rural areas."

The firm is shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture, from Scotland to global markets.

All this with sustained investment, close public‑sector partnership and a clear focus on environmental performance.

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