Hans J Marter

22 July, 2009

Whalsay Fish Processors Ltd is to be given a new lease of life with the help of a new owner and a loan of almost £750,000 working capital from Shetland Islands Council.

The local authority yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed that the salmon processor has been sold to Aberdeen processing company SCAF Ltd, owned by Stewart Black, Chris Bellamy, Andrew Charles and local man Frank Johnson.

Speaking from London last night, Mr Johnson said that new business generated through his own sales company Framgord would mean the potential of up to 40 new jobs at Whalsay Fish.

He said the structure and management of the company will not change and it will continue to operate as a stand alone business.

Whalsay Fish is already the largest employer on the island with around 40 full time and 20 part time staff processing chilled salmon, as well as monkfish, scallops and mussels.

The business was founded around 40 years ago by John Tait who, seven years ago, was brought back to run the company during a difficult period in the wake of diminishing whitefish stocks.

Now that Mr Tait wishes to retire he has sold the business to SCAF who in turn have plans to expand its activities and build on a loyal workforce with a high productivity.

Mr Johnson said: “The loan from the Shetland Development Trust is to be used specifically for equipment and for working capital. It is not for buying the business because that is not permitted under EU guidelines. The loan is repayable over five years.

“What Whalsay will focus on is frozen products including frozen organic products in addition to its existing chilled business.”

He added that the disadvantages of being located on a remote island with high transport costs could be largely offset by a loyal workforce and high productivity.

“The commitment of the workforce can overcome what most people see as a geographical disadvantage, and produce a range of products that have a huge customer following and where the staff take pride in what they produce,” he said.

Whalsay Fish will continue to market it products to many countries, including the USA, under the historically successful brands of “Bonnie Isle” and “Island Queen”, in addition to new retail and catering customers for conventional salmon products.

Mr Johnson said that it would take another three to four weeks before the takeover will be legally completed.