‘Global success story’ - how the salmon industry is now worth £1 billion to Scotland's economy

The research shows that the sector is one of the most important rural economic engines and a vital anchor for jobs, investment and supply chain businesses across Scotland. Its economic contribution has increased by a quarter over the past four years, thanks to rising domestic and international demand.

The study, undertaken by Biggar Economics for trade body Salmon Scotland, also reveals that salmon farming jobs pay an average of about £44,500, some 16 per cent above Scotland’s typical salary, generating at least £37 million in tax last year, with more through the extended supply chain.

Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon continues to generate vital wealth for the country, and especially for our Highland and islands communities. Farm-raised salmon is the economic backbone of some of Scotland’s most isolated areas, creating thousands of well-paid jobs and opportunities, and supporting a nationwide supply chain of businesses that depend on its success.

“Everyone in the sector is part of a global success story built on high environmental and welfare standards, producing one of the healthiest and best-tasting foods in the world,” he added.

“With record exports, rising demand, and continued investment in innovation, we’re proud that salmon farming now contributes £1bn a year to Scotland’s economy while sustaining communities across the west coast, islands, and beyond.”

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The figures from Biggar show that the sector made a direct economic contribution of £231.2m in gross value added (GVA) - a measure of economic generation - in 2024. The industry also indirectly generated a further £589.9m in GVA through its supply chain, supporting jobs in every part of Scotland, including the major cities, according to the report.

There was an additional £66.5m contribution from investment activity and £65.5m from staff spending last year, benefiting local businesses and communities all year round. Taken together, the total economic impact topped £953m, around a quarter up on the £766m recorded by Salmon Scotland in 2021.

Salmon farming provides around 2,500 direct jobs in coastal communities that are often economically fragile, spread across rural Scotland, with a further 8,500 people employed in businesses that depend on the sector, which is a key export driver for the economy.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes praised the sector’s contribution to jobs and growth during a meeting with industry leaders in Edinburgh.

“This report shows the significant benefits that salmon farming provides to our rural communities and beyond,” she said. “This is more than just an economic headline, it is a testament to the resilience, innovation and commitment of everyone involved in the industry.

“This is a sector that continues to invest in its people, with average salaries being significantly above the Scottish average. It is also an industry that brings benefits to the country’s wider supply chain. The Scottish Government will continue to take bold steps to support the sector’s ongoing sustainable development and to ensure it remains a Scottish success story.”

The latest report also breaks down the economic contribution salmon farming makes to Scotland’s five producing regions - £307m across the Highlands, £100m in Argyll and Bute, £91m in Shetland, £39m in the Western Isles and £30m in Orkney.

Nikki Keddie, director of Biggar Economics, said: “Our report describes Scottish salmon farming as a vital economic anchor for rural and coastal Scotland, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and a network of businesses across the country.

“It concludes that the sector provides stability and opportunity in fragile rural economies, underpinning year-round employment, investment, and community resilience. Each job in salmon farming generates above-average economic value, with productivity well ahead of the national average.”

Scottish salmon is the UK’s top food export category, reaching a record £844m in 2024, a 45 per cent rise on the previous year. Sales to Asia grew by 60 per cent, according to HMRC overseas trade statistics.

The top markets were France (£462m, up 70 per cent), the US (£225m, up 61 per cent), and China (£76m, up 60 per cent).

UK sales of salmon are running at some £1.5bn a year, making it the most popular fish among consumers. Sales leapt by 7.2 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025, accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK, according to industry data. Total salmon sales include non-Scottish salmon sold in the UK.

The Scottish Government recently committed to introducing robust welfare guidance for farmed fish which could see businesses penalised for not adhering to it.

Animal campaigners have argued that current guidance for fish welfare is too vague, making it easy for fish farms to cover up poor conditions or treatment of the animal.

Last month, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment in a letter to the Holyrood’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee.

She said: “A number of options for progressing standards of farmed fish welfare have been explored. Following this review, we intend to introduce official guidance under Section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 as a pragmatic step in the progression of farmed fish welfare standards.”

It comes after the Committee published a report earlier this year with recommendations following its inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland.