First salmon stocked at Stulaigh South
A milestone has been reached at Mowi’s new high-energy farm on South Uist. Following planning permission being granted in December 2024, the team has been busy preparing Stulaigh South to receive its first salmon.
At the end of May, the first salmon were stocked at the farm across six 200-metre circumference pens. The farm will hold a maximum biomass of 3,000 tonnes, representing a significant addition to our operations in the Western Isles.
Stulaigh South operates in a high-energy marine environment – an area of the ocean with strong currents, higher wave activity and good water exchange – creating conditions that are optimal for fish health. As well as enhanced water quality and improved fish health and growth, these conditions create a more dynamic environment for the fish and offer several benefits including improved sustainability and larger production capabilities.
Seven members of staff will support the new farm including three new apprentices.
Working towards their National Progression Awards in Aquaculture and Modern Apprenticeship qualifications, the apprentices have been gaining hands-on experience across all stages of the salmon lifecycle, achieving commercial vessel endorsements and developing long-term careers in aquaculture. The apprentices have been an essential part of the team bringing Stulaigh South into operation.
“Mowi operates in some very remote and often fragile communities across the Western Isles, and it’s vital that we have committed and passionate staff at our farms,” says Ben Hadfield, COO Farming Scotland. “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has worked so hard to get Stulaigh South up and running, helping us supply more healthy and nutritious salmon for the nation.
“This new farm has been developed with fish health and welfare at front of mind, and we also hope it will play a key part in local employment and community development, helping to strengthen the local economy of the Outer Hebrides.”
The final position to complete the team of seven at Stulaigh South will be open for applications soon. Check mowi.com/careers to apply.
