Labour parliamentary candidate Frank McNally visited Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s headquarters at Avondale House in Bellshill on 11 April 2024.
The visit aimed to discuss the aquaculture sector’s positive social and economic impacts on local businesses throughout the county and across the United Kingdom.
McNally, who is the General Election candidate for Coatbridge and Bellshill, commended Cooke for its commitment to animal welfare and its role in sustaining jobs through the production of sustainable premium salmon, according to a release from the company.
“The salmon farming sector not only provides 2,500 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs across Scotland, including Coatbridge and Bellshill, but as the UK’s largest food export, Scottish salmon significantly boosts our economy,” said McNally, who praised Cooke for its efforts towards sustainability and maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Colin Blair, Managing Director of Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, stated, “We were pleased to host Councillor McNally at our Bellshill office, where we manage the sale and export of tens of thousands of tons of fresh Scottish salmon to over 16 countries worldwide. Employing more than 380 staff in skilled positions across the Scottish mainland, England, and the Orkney and Shetland islands, we are committed to continuing our collaboration with the government to promote a sustainable and nutritious food sector.”
General election looming
The Coatbridge, Chryston, and Bellshill constituency was established for the 2005 general election and has historically been considered the safest area for the Labour Party in Scotland.
In 2019, the SNP gained the seat with a majority of 5,624 votes, representing an 11.6% margin. The turnout was 66.3%, an increase of 3.0% from previous elections. This result marked a significant swing of 7.6% to the SNP from Labour.
