Exports of Scottish salmon from the Western Isles rose to £187 million last year as demand for the UK’s most popular fish continues to grow.
A regional breakdown of the annual figures by trade body Salmon Scotland shows that
22,502 tonnes were exported from the Outer Hebrides in 2024, representing around
22% of Scotland’s total exports. Sales more than doubled year-on-year from £92 million.
The sector directly supports 420 jobs across the Western Isles, with local farms forming the backbone of communities.
Overall, Scottish salmon exports increased by 45% to a record high of £844 million in the calendar year – equivalent to £2.31 million per day – confirming its status as the UK’s largest food export.
France once again led the global demand, however the US and Asian markets saw sharp
growth – with the popularity of premium high-quality salmon increasing among chefs,
restaurants, and consumers.
The new figures come after survival rates on salmon farms in Scotland – where fish
spent up to two years at sea – reached a four-year high of 82.3% in 2024 following
multi-million pound tech investments to enhance animal welfare.
This improvement in survival has led to more food being available to export to meet international demand. At the same time, Salmon is also the UK’s most popular fish.
Western Isles salmon exports double as demand grows
26 March 2025
