Work starts on Cooke’s new Cairndow hatchery
Cooke Scotland has officially broken ground on its new salmon hatchery in Cairndow, Argyll.
The new, state of the art RAS (recirculating aquaculture system) facility has been designed to significantly reduce freshwater usage while enhancing water control. Cooke said the system will allow the hatchery staff to rear healthier, more robust smolts with lower environmental impact. It will replace the existing flow-through system at Cairndow.
The event brought together local community members, funders, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and employees on 2 March 2026.
Colin Blair, Managing Director at Cooke Scotland, said: “This groundbreaking event signals a major step forward for our freshwater operations to increase the supply of bigger, healthier smolts for our sites for years to come. As the largest single capital project Cooke Scotland has commissioned, this development aligns with our commitment to fish welfare as well as growing the business responsibly and sustainability.
“We’re thankful for the grant support for this project which will double the workforce at the hatchery. It will also further sustain and create more long-term, well-paid jobs throughout the company and supply chain – presenting more opportunities for local people to work in the rural communities they live in.”
The fully integrated system at Cairndow will exceed the size of the RAS in operation at Cooke’s Furnace Hatchery. Work is expected to be completed next year, with the first eggs estimated to arrive on site in December 2027.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic first dig by employees and invited guests including Jenni Minto MSP for Argyll and Bute, marking the official start of construction.
She said: “I was delighted to attend the groundbreaking ceremony in Cairndow for this development. Aquaculture plays a significant role in our local economy, and this expansion will allow Cooke Scotland to increase their production, bringing more jobs to Cowal and giving our economy a boost. I look forward to seeing the works completed.”
Cooke Scotland received a grant from Marine Fund Scotland towards the development, and is also working closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). HIE Area Manager for Argyll and the Islands, Morag Goodfellow, said: “Aquaculture is hugely important to the Argyll economy. It’s a growth industry and one that provides many good quality rural employment opportunities, particularly for young people. This in turn helps to attract and retain talent and sustain community resilience in many areas.
“It’s great to see this latest inward investment from Cooke Scotland, which will strengthen the sector’s impact and create jobs.”
Cooke Scotland produces its own organic salmon ova. The majority of Cooke Scotland’s freshwater sites are located in Argyll and Bute where the Scottish salmon sector contributes more than £100m to the area’s economy, supporting approximately 1,100 jobs.
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