I was delighted today to put forward a successful motion to support the planning application to relocate and enlarge the existing marine fish farm on the Isle of Gigha.

The Isle of Gigha and its community have benefited hugely from the industry of fish farming for more than 30 years. This latest expansion will not just increase local employment, it will help grow the local economy and help keep families on the Island while encouraging more to settle. These fish farms are particularly essential to the Isle of Gigha where there are limited employment opportunities.

Farmed salmon is now the largest food export from the UK and is contributing significantly to levelling the balance of payments of both Scotland and the UK’s economy. On top of that, aquaculture employment provides justification for young people to stay within or come back to a community they grew up in. A career in aquaculture offers multiple levels of employment.

It's great to see our local economy grow on the Isle of Gigha and across the Kintyre and Islands ward. I will continue to do all that I can to encourage our industrial and business growth where ever possible.

Cllr Alastair Redman