Excerpt from pressandjournal.co.uk
A planning application for a new salmon farm off Orkney would create six jobs with better than average wages, its developer has said.
A new economic impact report from Cooke Aquaculture Scotland maintains farm-raised salmon is having a “significant positive social impact” on employees and community viability of Orkney and the Northern Isles.
The study shows salmon farms can tackle depopulation as well as pay decent wages, with a new proposed farm situated 1.8 miles offshore potentially adding six jobs.
The East Moclett farm would be serviced out of Cooke’s Westray shorebase.
The firm applied for its second Orkney salmon farm in January after establishing its first near East Skelwick.
Including bonus and overtime payments during 2020-21, the report highlights Cooke’s skilled and permanent jobs are paying an average of £35,112 – 24.8% more than the Orkney average and 8.6% above the figure for Scotland.
And the company’s investment is having further impact by supporting local businesses and jobs, sustaining schools, ferries, shops and cafes.
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