Lighthouse Caledonia plans to refurbish and reopen the Marybank processing plant in Stornoway this summer, with the creation of around 90 jobs.

The company is making the move in order to process the salmon that will start to be harvested this summer from its Loch Roag site in the Outer Hebrides. This will ensure a fresh and superior quality of salmon can be produced.

Jim Mullins, Chairman of Lighthouse Caledonia, said:

“We are pleased to report we are reopening the processing plant at Marybank bringing almost 100 jobs to Stornoway.

“The need for a factory is immediate in order to deal with this harvest in the freshest way. We believe that by harvesting and processing the fish locally, we can produce a Hebridean salmon product that is of the highest quality.”

The company was recently granted planning permission to build a new plant at Arnish Point. In order to meet the immediate demand, it will utilise its existing site.

Jim added:

“Over the past year, the company has made huge steps forward in terms of sustainability and strengthening the business, working tirelessly to bring jobs back to the island. We are delighted to be realising that goal. By reopening the Marybank plant, we can offer jobs immediately.

“Salmon farming is a global industry and we are working closely with our staff, suppliers and customers, as well as the local authorities in the Highlands and Islands, to ensure that Hebridean salmon earns a quality reputation on the international markets and that we remain competitive in the long term.”

Marybank will be one of the only processing plants in the world that can produce ‘pre-rigor, pin bone out’ fillets which offer optimum freshness.

Lighthouse Caledonia will start a recruitment campaign at the beginning of April.