£1.3 million investment by Scottish Sea Farms – Fishupdate.com

£1.3 million investment by Scottish Sea Farms Published:  24 May, 2012

New fresh water salmon hatchery for Holywood, Dumfries. Facility to be complete and operational by October 2012.

Work has commenced on a £1.3 million investment to fully renew and develop Scottish Sea Farms fresh water hatchery at Holywood, situated near Dumfries.

“This major investment represents a key phase in our strategic development and it will secure and improve upon the excellent health, quality and performance of the production at this site and help to grow our fresh water facilities across the company, allowing us to expand in the future,” said Mike Bauermeister, Fresh Water Manager, Scottish Sea Farms.

“This is the first phase of the development at Holywood, there will be a second phase to the project in the next two years with further investment planned of £1.5 million.  The main benefits as a result of this modern facility will be a higher rate of health and survival for the newly hatched fish.  There will be major cost savings due to greater efficiencies and it will ultimately reduce our reliance on traditional oil-based water heating on our other farms, giving significant environmental benefits.”

The dedicated fry production site will be rebuilt in one consolidated area, replacing all existing raceways with new tanks and the very latest equipment.  94% of the total cost of this Scottish Sea Farms investment will be spent with Scottish and local based companies.

The project will significantly upgrade the existing water supply and the new technology will ensure that the water source is completely secure.  The fish hatchery and fish handling will be contained in new buildings and the site will be fully operational by the end of October 2012.

Within a 40 acre site, only a total of four acres is taken up by the hatchery.  The remaining land is made up of agricultural grazing utilised by local farmers and attractive woodland areas, with Scottish Sea Farms committed to maintaining this surrounding environment and resulting wildlife.  A highly skilled team of 11 people are currently employed at the Scottish Sea Farms Holywood site in Dumfries.

Scottish Suppliers Aquasystems Ltd, Robinsons Scotland, Molplant, Kishorn Developments Ltd, J.B McCormicks and IPR Drilling will jointly supply and install 94% of the total plant and equipment for the project, with Norwegian equipment supplied via Sterner UK & Betten.

The next phase of the development will involve building 16 new fresh water tanks and will commence in late June.