Salmon Scotland urges action on aquaculture red tape following Programme for Government announcement.
Salmon Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s pledge to streamline the consenting process for offshore aquaculture developments, but warned that the proposed reforms will do little to address regulatory barriers faced by inshore salmon farmers.
Speaking after First Minister John Swinney outlined the 2025–26 Programme for Government on Tuesday, Salmon Scotland CEO Tavish Scott said efforts to cut red tape between three and twelve nautical miles offshore overlook the regulatory delays that continue to stall growth closer to shore.
“The Scottish Government’s plans to streamline the approval process for offshore aquaculture developments show they understand the current system is inefficient,” said Scott. “However, this focus will not address the challenges faced by farmers closer to shore, who are eager to invest and support coastal communities.”
The Programme also includes a £10 million funding package to support food and drink growth and marketing — with £5 million allocated to the industry strategy and £5 million earmarked for food processing.
Salmon is the UK’s largest food export, generating £760 million annually for the Scottish economy and supporting around 12,500 jobs, according to Salmon Scotland.
Scott criticised the slow implementation of recommendations made in the 2022 Griggs review of aquaculture regulation. “Three years after the Griggs review, we’re still waiting for real change. Without it, we can’t create the skilled local jobs our sector can offer,” he said.
He added that planning departments require more resources to improve decision-making speed, and called on ministers to work with industry to ensure new public investment translates into support for rural communities and economic growth.