Loch Duart thanks communities for support

LOCH Duart thanked the communities where it farms by hosting two receptions last month – one in Scourie in Sutherland, and the other in Uist in the Hebrides.
Managing director Alban Denton and Loch Duart staff met community leaders, owners of local hotels, shops, restaurants and B&Bs.
The company updated the community on its work and plans for the future and answered questions for the audience.
‘It gives Loch Duart a chance to thank the community for its support,’ said Denton. ‘This support includes the accommodation and delicious food provided by local hotels, restaurants and B&Bs for our customers and suppliers.
‘The biggest benefit provided by the local community is, of course, providing a home and community for our wonderful staff.’
Loch Duart employs more than 115 staff and makes a significant contribution to the north west Scotland economy.
Over the last year the business has donated over £20,000 to a range of local groups and projects.
And as significant suppliers of the local economy with a local purchasing policy, Loch Duart has spent £5.1 million in the Highlands and more than £1 million in Uist, a total of £6,147,000.
Also, by creating a substantial company profit share scheme to the tune of £750,000 for Loch Duart staff, even more money was spent in and around these rural communities.
Since 2017 Loch Duart has donated £10,000 towards re-wiring Scourie Village Hall to secure an entertainment licence; £3,200 to local schools towards local school trips; and £2,000 to Lochinver Lifeboat Station, as well as many other projects.
The company spent almost £26,000 on 292 hotel nights last year, in both Sutherland and Uist, which is expected to rise to around 325 in 2018.
Loch Duart has also partnered with its fish feed supplier, EWOS/Cargill, and as part of their joint Scourie and Uist community fund, £3,000 has already been donated to refurbishing Scourie Village Hall.
‘Being open and transparent with the community is essential,’ said Denton. ‘It was great to see so many people come to our Scourie and Uist events and we’d like to thank everyone who joined us.
‘Our next plan is to have open days in the community rather than just a reception. We found from the receptions that local people know how and where we farm but had little idea about the prestigious venues and locations around the world where our salmon is served.’
Picture: Updating the community