Scottish salmon delivers £1bn boost to economy as new report reveals soaring impact

Scottish salmon farming now adds £1 billion a year to Scotland’s economy, according to a major new independent study that underscores the growing importance of the sector to rural communities, the national supply chain and Scotland’s global reputation for high-quality food production.

The report, prepared by BiGGAR Economics for Salmon Scotland, reveals that the overall economic contribution of the industry has risen by 25 per cent in four years, reflecting sustained domestic demand and record-breaking international exports. The report describes salmon farming as one of Scotland’s most important rural economic drivers, supporting 11,000 jobs nationwide, including around 2,500 people directly employed in farming across the west coast and islands.

Average salaries in the sector are now around £44,500, well above the Scottish average, and the industry generated at least £37m in tax last year before wider supply chain contributions are taken into account. Analysts say salmon farming continues to play a vital role in some of the country’s most economically fragile communities, supporting year-round employment and attracting investment to remote coastal areas.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who met sector leaders in Edinburgh this week, said the results highlight not only the significant economic contribution but also the “resilience, innovation and commitment” of those working in the industry. She praised the sector for paying above average wages, strengthening supply chains and supporting rural communities, adding that the Scottish Government would “continue to take bold steps” to ensure it remains a national success story.

The report shows that salmon farming contributed £231.2 million to gross value added directly in 2024, while a further £589.9 million was generated through companies supplying the sector. Additional impact came from continued investment activity and employee spending in local communities, taking the total economic contribution to £953 million – up sharply from £766 million in 2021. When wider impact metrics are included, the annual value of the industry rises to more than £1 billion.

Tavish Scott, CEO of Salmon Scotland, said: “The industry’s continued growth reflects the hard work of farmers across Scotland’s west coast and islands, where salmon farming remains a key pillar of local economies. He said farm-raised salmon was “the economic backbone of some of Scotland’s most isolated areas”, supporting thousands of well-paid jobs and a network of Scottish businesses that depend on its success. Scott added that the sector’s high environmental and welfare standards, coupled with strong global demand, have helped make Scottish salmon one of the world’s leading premium food products.

The economic impact is being felt widely across Scotland’s five salmon-producing regions. The Highlands benefit the most, with over £300 million generated locally, followed by Argyll and Bute, Shetland, the Western Isles and Orkney, each receiving a significant economic rebound from salmon-related jobs, investment and supply chain activity.

Nikki Keddie, director of BiGGAR Economics, said the report shows how salmon farming provides stability and opportunity in communities that may struggle to maintain jobs over the long term. She described the sector as a “vital economic pillar” of rural Scotland, noting that productivity levels in salmon farming exceed national averages and play a key role in supporting coastal Scotland’s resilience.

With rising demand, expanding export markets and continued investment in innovation, the Scottish salmon sector looks set to remain a cornerstone of the national economy, supporting jobs, strengthening supply chains and supporting communities across Scotland’s west coast and islands.