Industry – July 6, 2026
Bakkafrost Scotland: launches new Scottish-built salmon vessel
Bakkafrost Scotland has launched a new Scottish-built vessel at Macduff Shipyards, with Scotland's Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn officially naming the vessel Dìonadair a' Bhradain ("Guardian of the Salmon") on Monday.
The vessel was built at the Aberdeenshire shipyard and is the latest in a series of investments by salmon farming companies in new vessels and marine infrastructure.
Industry body Salmon Scotland said recent contracts involving Bakkafrost Scotland, Inverlussa Marine Services, Scottish Sea Farms, Mowi Scotland and Cooke Aquaculture highlighted the sector's contribution to Scottish shipbuilding, marine engineering and the wider supply chain.
"The vessel naming is about much more than one boat," said Salmon Scotland chief executive Tavish Scott.
"It shows how salmon farming creates opportunities far beyond farms and processing sites, sustaining jobs in shipbuilding, marine design, engineering and the wider supply chain."
Scott said continued investment by salmon producers was supporting skilled employment in coastal communities and welcomed the Scottish Government's recognition of the sector's contribution to economic growth.
The Scottish salmon industry says it contributes around £1 billion annually to the UK economy, spends more than £714 million each year with 3,600 Scottish suppliers, and supports around 11,000 jobs, including more than 2,460 directly employed in salmon farming.
