Last month Loch Duart, the independent salmon farming company based in Sutherland and the Hebrides, took its salmon and its story into the local community with two receptions in Scourie and Uist.
“It gives Loch Duart a chance to thank the community for its support,” said Alban Denton, Managing Director. “This support includes the accommodation and delicious food provided by local hotels, restaurants and B&Bs for our customers and suppliers. The biggest benefit provided by the local community is, of course, is providing a home and community for our wonderful staff.”
Alban and Loch Duart staff met with community leaders, owners of local hotels, shops, restaurants and B&Bs. Loch Duart updated the community on its work and plans it has for the future and answered questions for the audience.
Alban Denton, Managing Director at Loch Duart, added:
“Being open and transparent with the community is essential. It was great to see so many people come to our Scourie and Uist events and we’d like to thank everyone who joined us. Our next plan is to have Open Days in the community rather than just a Reception. we found from the receptions that local people know how and where we farm but had little idea about the prestigious venues and locations around the world where our salmon is served.”
Loch Duart employs over 115 staff and makes a significant contribution to the North West Scotland economy. Loch Duart was recently Highly Commended in the Rural Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Rural Awards. Over the last year the business has donated over £20,000 to a range of local groups and projects. As significant suppliers of the local economy with a local purchasing policy Loch Duart has spent £5.1m in the Highlands and over £1m in Uist, which represents a total of £6,147,000 to these local economies. Also by creating a substantial company profit share scheme to the tune of £750,000 for Loch Duart staff, even more money was spent in and around these rural communities.
Since 2017 Loch Duart has donated:
- £10,000 towards re-wiring Scourie Village Hall to secure an entertainment licence
- £3,200 to local schools towards local school trips
- £2000 to Lochinver Lifeboat Station
- £2,000 to Lucky2BHere for an automated external defibrillator (AED) in Uist
- over £1,800 to Lochinver Community Hall for refurbishment
- £1,000 kick-start funding for the Greenpower Goblin kit Car Project, plus Loch Duart engineers’ time and expertise working with P7 pupils from Durness, Kinlochbervie, Scourie and Lochinver
- £1,000 to Kinlochbervie Playing Field Association to refurbish their football pitch
- £200 for Jack Murray to play for the Development Squad at Ross County
- new strips for the Lochinver Junior football team
- new cushions to the reception area in Scourie Health Centre
During 2017 Loch Duart spent almost £26,000 on 292 hotel nights in both Sutherland and Uist, which is expected to rise to around 325 in 2018. Loch Duart has also partnered with its fish feed supplier, EWOS/Cargill, and as part of their joint Scourie and Uist community fund, £3,000 has already been donated to refurbishing Scourie Village Hall.
For more information on Loch Duart Salmon visit www.lochduart.com