Fresh, quality products from seafood to whisky have long been associated with the Highlands and Islands. The development of fish farming technology over the past four decades has led to the Highlands and Islands becoming one of the world’s top producers, enhancing its reputation for provenance and value. That association with quality has been a common thread through the development of brands and new products, from craft beer to ice cream, that showcase the best of the Highlands and Islands to a global market.
At the outset of the Atlantic salmon farming industry, Unilever establishes Marine Harvest at Lochailort and begins working with rainbow trout. They later concentrate on salmon, establishing the first salmon farm in the UK, which represents the start of aquaculture developments in the Highlands and Islands.
A Marine Farming Unit, known as the White Fish Authority, is established at Ardtoe, Ardnamurchan.
The Secretary of State approves the HIDB Fisheries Development Scheme. 25 fishing boats are to be built for new entrants to the industry over the next five years, at an estimated cost of £750,000. The scheme covers the whole of the HIDB area, but is mainly directed at increasing the local fleet fishing out of Stornoway. By the end of 1966, 26 applications are received and nine successfully selected for boats.
The HIDB recognises that for every individual fishing at sea, processing jobs could provide two jobs ashore. However, they are also aware that assurance of sufficient landings is required in order to make processing a viable economic proposition.
The Board recognises the potential of the region to sustain fish farming enterprises and a study visit to Denmark is made by staff to explore this further.
The HIDB Fisheries Development Scheme is expanded to 35 boats, with extra allocation directed at Orkney and the Pentland Firth. Those taking part in the scheme are trained by the Board, with two training skippers employed for this purpose, although the Board recognises the need for a formal system of education and training for the fishing industry in the region.
The HIDB invests in fish processing to ensure that the industry can accommodate the expansion of the regional fishing fleet.
A bulb growing experiment commences in North Uist. Six acres are planted, with plans to increase this to 40 acres the following year.
The HIDB provides 16 selected agricultural and horticultural projects with financial assistance, including a calf marketing scheme, intensive pig production units and the marketing of store lambs.
The Board highlights the need for larger boats to allow the fishing industry to move beyond inshore waters and exploit the rich fishing grounds surrounding them. They also investigate the use of larger mid-water trawlers to fish and land for local factories in Shetland, as the fish processing industry there encounters difficulties as a result of the scarcity of white fish in inshore fishing grounds.
The HIDB acquires the Herring Industry Board's freezing factory and cold store in Stornoway in an experimental attempt to create a fish processing unit. The factory begins trading as Gaelfish, processing mainly white fish and herring, and staff numbers increase from eight to 20. Production lines are rearranged and modern equipment installed, including filleting machines, skinning machines and a Torry kiln for kippering.
Shellfish catches in Scotland (most of which are landed in the Highlands and Islands) continue to rise, with gross receipts exceeding those of herring for the first time. Reflecting this, there are a number of developments across the region, including the launch of a scallop processing venture by Loch Fyne Seafoods in Argyll; the establishment of crab processing factories in Orkney (Westray Processors Ltd) and Shetland (Sullom Voe Shellfish Ltd); and the opening of a crab cannery on the island of Yell. Minch Shellfish Ltd in North Uist also start exporting fresh lobsters to London and the Continent.
The Board supports research and experiments into fish farming, including the White Fish Authority trials at Ardtoe, near Loch Moidart, in rearing plaice to a marketable size; and the farming of lobsters under the sea, being undertaken by an ex-Royal Navy skin-diving team at Kinlochbervie, North West Sutherland.
The HIDB supports livestock developments in the region, providing financial assistance to farmers in Caithness to market North Country Cheviot Lambs in the south of England, and supporting the development of two intensive pig production units for fattening and despatch to processors. They are also asked by the Scottish Landowners' Federation to explore the possibility of creating a larger home market for venison.
The Kildinguie, the first boat built in the Highlands and Islands under the Board's Fisheries Development Scheme is launched. It is also the biggest boat to be built in Orkney for 50 years.
72' "Bountiful" owned by the Reid brothers of Stronsay is launched, pioneering a new whitefish industry in Orkney.
Marine Harvest produces a modest 14 tonnes in its first harvest from its Lochailort salmon farm. The quality of the fish is exceptional, demonstrating to the world that the farming of salmon can successfully be done.
'In Great Waters', a report on the economic and social effects of the Board's investment in fisheries is published.
The Board recognises the need to accelerate fish farming as sea-caught fish become an increasingly scarce and expensive commodity.
The North Uist bulb scheme, introduced by the HIDB in 1967, is discontinued.
The Board starts providing financial assistance to salmon farming businesses.
A patent from Unilever for a new process to transfer young salmon (smolts) directly into the sea, is contested by the HIDB. The Board argues that the process could constrain the development of the aquaculture sector in the region. Following a period of drawn-out challenge, Unilever sells the patent to the Board for £1 in the mid-70s.
Three Trade Mark Schemes are now operated by the Board: the Craftmade Mark; the Shetland Knitwear Mark and the newly introduced Highland Food Mark.
Having established the commercial viability of salmon farming, Marine Harvest opens its second sea farm in Loch Leven.
The Board purchases the Rahoy Estate in Morven and sets up an experimental commercial deer farm. It runs until 1991 when the estate is sold by the newly established Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Fish farming trials begin in Orkney to assess the feasbility of on-growing hatchery produced turbot. The Board and Orkney Islands Council provide funding towards the project.
The Board purchases the MFV "Hebridean" as a fisheries training vessel.
Inverness college, in partnership with the HIDB, runs its first aquaculture training course.
The HIDB initiate a programme of site testing across the West Highlands and Islands to assess the potential for oyster cultivation.
The Board takes a holistic approach to the development of the fishing sector and opens a specialised factory in Breasclete on the Isle of Lewis to dry blue whiting for sale to emerging markets. Alongside this, is the opening of Breasclete pier, constructed by the HIDB to support this area of activity.
The HIDB terminates its Fisheries Development Scheme, and instead begins to provide grants and loans to assist the purchase of vessels.
The Board continues to provide financial support to the salmon farming sector, meeting the high demand for assistance from businesses in this expanding sector.
The European Economic Commission announces an Integrated Development Programme (IDP) for the Western Isles. The initiative removes financial barriers to local individuals entering small scale salmon farming, supporting a significant increase in the number of salmon farms by 1984.
The European Economic Council agrees the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) after several years of negotiations. The policy originally formed part of the Common Agricultural Policy, but has developed a separate identity as the European community has evolved and adopted Member States with substantial fishing fleets. The policy ensures the preservation of fish stocks and the economic viability of European fishing fleets, and protects the marine environment. This new CFP provides for conservatory management measures based on total allowable catches and quotas.
Total investment by the HIDB in fish farming since 1965 reaches £23.8m (1985 prices).
A fishmeal processing factory opens at Ardveenish on the Isle of Barra.
BT Nutrition opens a £3.5m salmon and trout feed mill in the Invergordon Enterprise Zone.
The Board approves a number of major financial assistance packages including three large fishing vessels in Shetland and Walkers Shortbread in Moray.
This year sees the first successful hatchery production of juvenile halibut at the Marine Farming Unit in Ardtoe.
An Agricultural Development Policy (ADP) is introduced for the Scottish islands, with the exception of the Outer Hebrides, to encourage the expansion of the agriculture sector in the area. The policy provides for financial assistance to be given towards the cost of farm and livestock development measures, agriculture infrastructure, or to support measures set out in a farm plan.
Shetland Catch Limited opens as a joint venture between the Lerwick Harbour Trust (now Lerwick Port Authority), the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation and Jaytee Seafoods, to process herring and mackerel for sale to customers all over the world. By 2015, it is the largest pelagic factory of its kind in Europe.
The North Atlantic Fisheries College (NAFC) formally opens its new purpose-built premises at Port Arthur, providing training and education in all aspects of the seafood industry. The college was originally founded by Shetland Islands Council in 1988, with teaching facilities initially undertaken at a number of sites. It is now the NAFC Marine Centre.
The West of Scotland Fish Producers Organisation is established by a group of fishermen in Mallaig, under the legislation of the EU common fisheries policy.
After receiving business start-up support from HIE, Fish Vet Group opens in Inverness, providing veterinary health services for fish farming operations around the coast of Scotland.
Orkney Beef and both Orkney and Shetland Lamb secure EU recognition as a protected designation of origin (PDO).
The Highlands and Islands takes centre stage at the Royal Highland Show Food and Drink Hall with the 'Highland Village' display.
Inclusive of whisky, annual exports from the HIE area exceed £1 billion.
Cairngorm Brewery opens in Aviemore producing traditional ales.
Taste of Arran is established as a collaborative venture to boost food and drink sales from Arran.
Scotch Lamb and Beef secure EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
The first ever Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards are held in Inverness. The awards are presented to businesses achieving excellence within the industry, highlighting those which are demonstrating innovative, forward thinking and collaborative work. The competition is open to businesses of any size, including food producers, retailers, catering establishments, restaurants and hotels that are operating in the Highlands and Islands.
North Highland Initiative is formed bringing together the farming community, local businesses and the tourism industry to address some of the challenges facing rural communities in the far north of Scotland. Alongside this, the Mey Selections Brand is established, providing a range of high quality, locally sourced and sustainable produce.
Scottish farmed salmon secures EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
Argyll Food Producers is established following successful work marketing Argyll produce at key sporting events.
The Spirit of Lewis, the first cask of whisky to be distilled in the Outer Hebrides since 1829, is unveiled for tasting. Abhainn Dearg Distillery, or Red River in English, is located in Uig on the Isle of Lewis, and is the first legal whisky distillery in the Outer Hebrides in almost two hundred years. Following the initial tasting, the distillery releases their first single malt at three years in 2011. There will be no further bottling available until 2018 when the first spirit laid down will be a mature ten year old single malt whisky.
Scotland’s first Year of Food and Drink celebrates and promotes Scotland's natural larder and quality produce.
HIE pilots a marketing project to offer customised advice to food and drink businesses on promoting their products.
Hjaltland Hatcheries Ltd announces expansion plans to develop a state of the art Atlantic salmon smolt hatchery facility at Girlsta, creating seven jobs. HIE provide a funding package worth more than £300,000 towards the £3.7m project.
An agreement between the Scottish and Chinese Governments sees Scottish salmon being exported to China, one of the world's largest seafood markets, for the first time.
Exports of fresh Scottish salmon leap to record levels for the second consecutive year, and now reach 64 countries worldwide.
Native Shetland Wool becomes the UK's first non-food and drink product to secure protected designation of origin (PDO) status under the European Union's scheme.
Marine Harvest announces plans to invest around £80 million to grow its business and support jobs in rural communities, as they discuss their new 'five-year' plan for Scotland. The company, which operates 38 fish farms in Scotland and supports around 460 jobs, is the world's largest producer of farmed salmon. Its Scottish business unit was highlighted as the company's best-performing in 2011, with high production, good price achievement and good operational performance.
Scotland’s Food and drink exports reach £5.3 billion. The sector is soon expected to rival oil and gas as Scotland’s greatest export, and new targets are set to grow the value of food and drink sent abroad to £7.1 billion by 2017. Oil and gas exports are currently worth £7.6 billion.
Valhalla Brewery, the most northerly brewery in the UK, moves to new, larger premises. The company, based on the Shetland Island of Unst, also opens a brewery shop and recruits additional staff as part of the £103,000 project.
Scottish wild salmon secures EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
HIE establishes a £100,000 challenge fund to support Food and drink and Tourism projects in the North Highlands.
According to the Scotch Whisky Association, Scotch whisky exports reach £4.3bn, the equivalent of 1.3bn bottles.
Stornoway black pudding and Orkney cheddar cheese secure EU recognition at protected geographic indication (PGI) level.
The UK becomes the World's leading exporter of gin as exports reach £394m, a rise of 37% in value since 2010. A taste for craft gin has helped boost the industry, with handcrafted and bespoke botanicals driving demand. Across Scotland, where 70% of the UK’s gin is produced, gin distilleries are drawing on whisky production to create unique recipes.
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd, the most northerly distillery on the British mainland, start producing 'Rock Rose Gin'. Using botanical ingredients, such as locally harvested Rhodiola Rosea, the Gin will herald a new vintage each year as local botanicals are dependent on the climate, and will subtly change year on year.
Fyne Ales start work on a £2m expansion of their brewery at Loch Fyne, to meet growing demand for their range of award-winning craft beers.
HIE and partners start work on the Hebrides Taste Trail which will take in 20 different food sites across the islands of Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula and Barra.
Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, celebrates and promotes Scotland's natural larder and quality produce to residents and visitors.
The Isle of Harris Distillery, known as the Social Distillery, opens providing 20 jobs in the community.
Community landowner Stòras Uibhist completes the £10m Lochboisdale port of entry redevelopment, officially opened by Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
Two causeways and two breakwaters are completed as part of the project, along with a road along Rubha Bhuailt to Gasaigh Island. There is also a new fishery pier, a slipway, pontoon berths and facilities for fishermen and leisure sailors.
This major regeneration project, the largest ever undertaken by a community landowner, has transformed commercial and community facilities at Lochboisdale, South Uist.