The data, from the Scottish Salmon Producers Association, also reveal that exports have rocketed by over 500 per cent in the last 20 years. The quality image of Scottish salmon with its distinctive Saltyre logo, have clearly helped sales. But it is also the diversity and skills the industry which are playing a key role. There are also strong indications that more people are eating salmon because of the clear  health benefits linked to oily or Omega-3 rich fish. The role of Omega-3 in reducing heart disease is now well proven, but there have also been similar claims recently related to certain cancers, eyesight problems in old people and mental health.

The Scottish fish farming industry as a whole is also attracting significant new investment from at home and abroad.

Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), said: "The research results are a major boost for the sector and the remote, rural communities that depend on a successful, sustainable and profitable salmon industry."

He added: "The sector is enjoying an upward trend. The contribution to the economy is increasing in many ways. For example, over the last three years there has been a 55 per cent  leap in the direct value to communities through the rising contribution of salaries, which was bolstered by the creation of 234 new jobs in the last year."

During this year, 234 new jobs have been created in the sector and there has been close to £30 million. invested in capital development. A further £296 million has been spent on suppliers and services related to Scottish salmon production.

There was further good news from the survey which found that 90 per cent of  Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation member companies felt 'very confident' or 'confident' about future demand for salmon. And more than three quarters of firms said they planned to increase staff numbers over the next five years.

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