Scottish Government launches sustainable vision at Kames in BBC exclusive

MSP Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, visited our HQ at Loch Melfort last week in advance of the publication of the Scottish Government’s Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture, which was released on Friday.

The BBC interviewed the Cabinet Secretary and the Kames team for broadcast on Reporting Scotland, and we had the opportunity to discuss our own sustainability ambitions with Ms Gougeon afterwards. The vision is the product of a consultation with key stakeholders and industry contributors, which we are pleased to have been part of, and sets out goals and outcomes for the sector to grow in innovation, production, and sustainability within the government’s Blue Economy and Net Zero ambitions.  

Ms Gougeon said: “I was delighted to visit Kames and to learn more about its focus on the future and sustainability. It was interesting to learn about Kames’ Future50 programme and their planned investment into their business, community and local environment. We have many examples in Scotland of what aquaculture brings to Scotland’s economy now – and can do in the future – Kames shows the role Scottish, family-owned businesses can play. 

Andrew Cannon, MD of Kames, commented: “It’s encouraging there is an open dialogue between the sector and government that will enable progression to a more sustainable future for aquaculture. We can only really tackle these sustainability challenges, such as climate change and environmental impact, by working collectively and collaboratively, and through better education and discourse with the research institutes and public bodies.

We hope this vision document triggers action, further than just words, within the industry. We are proud to be a Scottish owned, award-winning family company, but we need support to keep the innovation and diversity that SMEs like us bring to the table alive, alongside economic growth. The vision supports this view, and we look forward to seeing the action to come and more innovation and diversity in Aquaculture.”