Bakkafrost Scotland has hosted a group of primary school pupils aboard its newly built landing craft, the Spirit of Bute, as part of an outreach initiative aimed at promoting careers in aquaculture.
Eight Primary 7 pupils from Kirn Primary School visited the company’s Ardyne salmon farm on Loch Striven, travelling aboard the new vessel while receiving presentations on salmon farming, fish health and marine operations.
During the visit, Bakkafrost Scotland staff demonstrated fish handling and health monitoring procedures and outlined career pathways in areas including biology, environmental management, vessel operations and farm management.
The Spirit of Bute, a 19.5-metre landing craft built by Bute Boat Builders, entered service earlier this year. The vessel was built at a reported cost of £1.2 million and supports operations across farm sites in Loch Striven, Argyll and Bute, and Arran.
Bakkafrost Scotland said the visit forms part of its efforts to build awareness of aquaculture careers in rural communities.
The company employs more than 400 staff across 45 sites in Scotland, including operations on the west coast and Hebridean islands.