Salmon farm company to convert waste to useable product

8th July 2025

A project to recycle waste at an aquaculture hatchery in Wester Ross has secured up to £630,290 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Bakkafrost Scotland limited is leading the project, which has a total investment value of more than £2.5m.

In the first of its kind in Scotland, the process known as pyrolysis converts aquaculture waste into biochar, which will be used by the forestry sector.

Bakkafrost is one of the largest producers of farmed salmon in Scotland. Since buying the Scottish Salmon Company in 2019 the company has made significant strategic investments in Scotland, most notably in a new recirculating aquaculture system hatchery at Kishorn in Wester Ross.

The new hatchery enables the business to produce their own smolts at a increased volume and size. The enclosed system captures fish waste, which will be processed in the new pyrolysis facility

Alastair Nicolson, HIE's area manager for Lochaber Skye and Wester Ross, said, "We welcome this innovative project, that turns what was a waste stream into a product that enhances the natural environment. It also reduces the volume of waste that needs to be transported out of the area in line with the business's commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.

Ian Laister, managing director, Bakkafrost Scotland, said, "In a recirculating aquaculture system facility like our Applecross site, quantities of waste materials are generated which must be separated from the water. Traditionally this material has been considered as waste for disposal, but technological advancements have allowed us to introduce an environmentally friendly management process to convert waste and produce fertiliser for use in forestry.

"The pyrolysis system delivers on our sustainability goals, creating a circular economy of production. It will be operational by the end of the year.