Princess Royal opens multi-million salmon facility near Applecross
Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal has officially opened Bakkafrost Scotland’s multi-million pound Applecross facility.
The state-of the art development is the UK’s largest freshwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and is central to the company’s ambition to become the most sustainable Scottish salmon producer.
During the visit Princess Anne toured the Applecross freshwater facility, met employees and local guests, and learned how advanced technology is being used to improve fish welfare, reduce environmental impact and support high value, skilled rural employment.
The facility plays a pivotal role in Bakkafrost Scotland’s "one summer at sea" production strategy, which allows salmon to spend longer growing in controlled freshwater conditions before transferring to sea as larger, stronger smolt.
Operating 24 hours a day, the Applecross site supports around 40 skilled permanent roles, including biology, veterinary, engineering, energy and technical operations.
Employees worked closely with local and international specialists to design, build and now operate the facility.
During construction Bakkafrost Scotland also worked extensively with local and regional suppliers, contractors, and hauliers, supporting jobs across the Highlands and Islands and embedding local knowledge into the project.
The Princess Royal was welcomed to Applecross by Managing Director Ian Laister, before meeting employees from across the business. She also met representatives from The Applecross Trust before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening.
Pupils from Lochcarron Primary School also took part in the ceremony, presenting flowers and a gift of Native Hebridean salmon.
The visit was part of a series of official engagements conducted by HRH The Princess Royal in the Scottish Highlands and Argyll, accompanied by Sir Timothy Laurence.
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