Industry – July 22, 2026
Bakkafrost Scotland: hosts students at Uist salmon hatchery
Science students from Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula have applied their classroom laboratory skills during a visit to Bakkafrost Scotland’s salmon hatchery at Langass in North Uist.
The S3 pupils were introduced to the hatchery’s work with Native Hebridean broodstock by Charlotte Barr, Bakkafrost Scotland’s head of broodstock.
Students practised measuring liquids accurately and estimating fish egg numbers, using silica gel balls in place of eggs. They also calculated how long eggs would take to become ready for delivery and learned about workplace risk assessments and health and safety procedures.
Barr said the visit was intended to connect the pupils’ science lessons with jobs available in the Western Isles.
“We were able to show the young people the employment opportunities aquaculture holds for them in the area that they grew up in,” she said.
“They are used to seeing marine sites, but now they know all about the hatchery too. They really enjoyed the practical activity, and it was great to show them how we use the same lab skills they are learning at school here in the hatchery.”
Sharon MacRury, Developing the Young Workforce coordinator at Sgoil Lionacleit, said the visit demonstrated how classroom learning could be transferred into a working environment.
“The insight into broodstock management and egg production, along with the hands-on practical activity, made the visit both engaging and highly valuable,” MacRury said.
“It was clear to see how much the pupils gained from being able to apply their lab skills within a working environment.”
Bakkafrost Scotland employs more than 400 people across 45 locations on Scotland’s west coast and the Hebridean islands. Its Faroese parent, Bakkafrost Group, operates an integrated supply chain spanning salmon feed, farming and processing.
