Loch Duart Shortlisted for Food & Drink Federation Awards

Graeme ThomsonGeneral News

Salmon farm is Community Partner finalist in top UK food & drink industry awards 

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has chosen Loch Duart, the salmon farm based in Sutherland and the Uists, as one of the finalists for its annual Food and Drink Federation Awards 2019. Shortlisted in the Community Partner category, Loch Duart highlighted its new ‘Salmon Pool’ fund. A partnership with Loch Duart’s fish feed supplier, Cargill Aqua Nutrition, who makes EWOS feed, ‘Salmon Pool’ provides community funding that is available to local charities and projects benefiting local people.

Alban Denton, Managing Director of Loch Duart, said:

“Being shortlisted for the Food and Drink Federation, Community Partner Award is just wonderful. Without the highly experienced, committed and loyal local communities which are central of Loch Duart’s day-to-day involvement in Sutherland and the Uists, we wouldn’t be able to nurture and rear our extraordinary salmon. Integral to the success of the Salmon Pool initiative is the allocation of funds.  Loch Duart’s HR & Community Manager Rebecca MacInnes, manages this distribution in a careful and diligent manner, deeply sensitive to the culture of the local communities. We can’t wait to share our stories and community experiences at the FDF Awards.”

Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said:

“Congratulations to all the teams, individuals, and brands that were nominated for our Awards. The strength of our industry is its breadth and its boldness, each category will be hard fought. I look forward to toasting our shortlisted nominees in September.”

To date the Salmon Pool fund has distributed in excess of £31K to over 10 projects:

  • Scourie Primary – outdoor clothing and learning equipment
  • Durness Golf Club – new equipment
  • North Uist United Juniors FC – new equipment
  • Scourie Community Council – enhancing the community play-park
  • Connect Assynt Ltd – to extend the community transport service
  • Scourie & Badcall Grazings Committee – to complete footpath network
  • North Sutherland Sportive – Hall fees for Jujitsu group
  • Lochinver Public Hall – to enhance the exterior
  • Kinlochbervie Primary – experience of working with horses for children with Downs Syndrome
  • Uist Coastal Rowing Club – towards a new Skiff boat
  • Community Care Assynt – purchase of defibrillator

Download the full press release here.