The Skye-based salmon farming business said the ‘challenging and slow pace’ of Scotland’s planning and regulatory system had resulted in the company reaching the end of its financial resources.
To combat the financial drain, Organic Sea Harvest has been forced to fallow both existing farms until refinancing can be agreed for the business. It has also suspended development on a new farm near Balmaqueen.
Redundancies in the workforce
“Sadly, the fallowing of our existing sites will result in redundancies in our workforce,” said a spokesman for the business. “Our immediate focus will be on helping our people through this difficult time and, where possible, supporting them in finding alternative employment.”
Reportedly the only new salmon farming business to be created in Scotland in many years, Organic Sea Harvest has faced some difficulty in expanding production in the face of opposition from the local council.
In August last year, Highland Council’s North Planning Applications Committee rejected applications for two new sites at Balmaqueen and Flodigarry. The applications were subsequently brought to the full council for consideration after more than 20 councillors supported a Notice of Amendment.
Expansion plans
While the fish farm was able to secure council support for its expansion plans in Balmaqueen, the same could not be said for its application on Flodigarry.
Speaking at the time, Organic Sea Harvest director and co-founder Alex MacInnes, said: “Some of these comments were quite difficult to accept, bearing in mind what we have presented and that we have been farming organic salmon on Skye for five years now.
“I am delighted that Organic Sea Harvest has been granted permission for the Balmaqueen site, bringing the total number of sites to three, which means that we can now move on. However, we still want that fourth farm and this will be something that we will discuss in the months to come.”
Meanwhile, proposed changes at Aldi’s head office have put up to 350 people at risk of redundancy.
