By Rhiannon Merrit
Salmon is always popular, but the industry faces significant challenges.
Food security rarely dominates headlines in Scotland. Yet in an increasingly uncertain world, perhaps we should be paying more attention.
The UK already imports around 40 per cent of the food it consumes while global conflicts, supply chain disruption, climate change and rising costs are placing increasing pressure on how nations feed themselves.
Against that backdrop, Scotland should be asking a simple question: are we doing enough to support the industries that produce healthy, sustainable food close to home?
Scottish salmon farming is one such industry.
Often overlooked in national debates, salmon is the UK’s largest food export and supports thousands of jobs across the Highlands and Islands. More importantly, it provides a high-quality source of protein with a relatively low carbon footprint compared to many other animal proteins.
Yet despite growing demand for our salmon both at home and overseas, the sector continues to face significant challenges. Planning delays, regulatory complexity and increasing opposition to development risk slowing investment at a time when Scotland should be strengthening its food-producing industries, not weakening them.
This is not to suggest that development should happen at any cost. Communities rightly expect high environmental standards and responsible operators. But Scotland’s salmon sector has become a global leader in innovation, investing heavily in fish welfare, environmental monitoring and new technologies to improve sustainability.
For many coastal, island and rural communities, salmon farming is also about far more than food production. The industry supports skilled jobs, apprenticeships and local supply chains in areas where alternative employment opportunities can be limited. These jobs help sustain local schools, services and communities.
As Scotland seeks to grow its economy while building resilience against future shocks, supporting sustainable domestic food production must be part of the solution. We all want thriving communities, good jobs and a secure food supply. The question is whether we are prepared to support the industries that make them possible.
Rhiannon Merrit is the regional manager for the Highlands and Islands with Prosper, a cross-sector membership alliance that aims to strengthen Scotland’s economy.
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