Loch Duart

Improving farming and industry practices

The company practice low impact and low density fish farming, creating some of the world’s best farm-raised salmon. They are dedicated to continually improving farming and industry practices through innovation and encouraging an entrepreneurial approach.

As one of the area’s largest employers, Loch Duart’s team set themselves the challenge of aligning their business needs and ambitions with those of the local community, to ensure as the firm grows the benefits are enjoyed by everyone.

For the business to flourish, Managing Director Alban Denton believes involving the community and encouraging them to see the overall worth of the business is vital.

He said: “Loch Duart, like many rural businesses, wouldn’t survive without our community and we as business owners shouldn’t underestimate how much we can contribute to the local economy and community. It’s mutually beneficial and makes sound business sense.”

Loch Duart has adopted a “locals-first” buying policy which sees them source goods and services in the village of Scourie where they are based first, before looking elsewhere in Sutherland and then further afield.

Alban said: “Our policy creates an emotional engagement between us and our community with both parties working together and investing in each other’s future.”

To overcome the challenge of retaining staff, employee wellbeing is at the heart of Loch Duart’s ethos. Through upskilling staff and encouraging a pioneering approach to improve the farming of salmon, they are able to attract and retain quality employees.  

The company also supports and enables its 115 employees to be part of community groups. Some volunteer as first responders with the RNLI, others with the local mountain rescue team.