Sutherland-based salmon farmer Loch Duart said yesterday it had appointed seafood entrepreneur Alistair Erskine as its new chairman.
Mr Erskine, who owns JW Seafoods, Allan and Dey and Summer Isles Foods, is taking over the role from Andrew Barbour.
The boardroom change comes as the multi-award-winning firm, which has operations in Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides, prepares to mark its 20th year of salmon farming.
Managing director Alban Denton said: “Loch Duart is very fortunate to be appointing Alistair Erskine, whose understanding of the Scottish and UK seafood markets and the global importance of this industry runs side by side with our growing, international ambitions.
“Alistair’s industry insight and commercial acumen is widely known.
“He has long been at the forefront of the seafood sector, having previously owned the Edinburgh Salmon Company, which he built into one of the largest salmon processors in the Scottish Highlands.”
Mr Erskine, 57, said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Loch Duart, and I look forward to working with them as the business continues to grow and build on its reputation for extraordinary salmon which is loved around the world.
“I have a passion for the seafood sector and look forward to bringing my experience of running businesses in salmon farming, salmon processing and smoking to support this amazing company and brand.”
Mr Barbour, 59, has been chairman of Loch Duart, based at Scourie, since 2008, having become a non-executive director of the company in 2002.
Mr Denton said Loch Duart had benefited from the outgoing chairman’s “real passion for sustainable farming methods, both on land and sea”.
He added: “He guided the business through its most successful period of growth since we started farming and passes Loch Duart on in great form, with our 2019 farming performance well set and fish health at an all-time high.
“Andrew’s knowledge supported the business and his genuine care for the Loch Duart team was evident.”
Loch Duart was founded in 1999 by Nick Joy, Alan Balfour and Andy Bing.