Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn has launched a new £3 million vessel for one of Scotland’s leading salmon producers, providing a further boost to skilled jobs and the North East marine supply chain.
Dìonadair a’ Bhradain – meaning “Guardian of the Salmon” – has been built by Macduff Shipyards for Bakkafrost Scotland and will support fish health and welfare operations, including essential wellboat activity, across farms on the west coast and islands.
The investment forms part of Bakkafrost Scotland’s commitment to local sourcing and Scottish manufacturing, helping to strengthen a resilient supply chain that benefits coastal and island communities. The vessel will join and enhance the company’s 87-strong fleet, supporting farm operations and working closely with suppliers across Scotland.
The launch follows more than £11 million of investment by Bakkafrost Scotland with the Aberdeenshire yard across a series of vessels, supporting around 250 jobs and 40 apprenticeships.
During a visit to Macduff Harbour, Mr Flynn met Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland, Iain MacIntyre, director of marine operations, and John Watt, managing director of Macduff Shipyards, before officially naming the vessel and touring its facilities.
Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: “A Scottish vessel, built by a Scottish yard for a key Scottish industry is something that will be celebrated across our nation.
“Our rural and coastal communities have been at the heart of Scotland’s economy for centuries and investments like this help to ensure that the future is positive for local jobs and local skills.”
Designed for the practical demands of marine farming, the 18.5-metre by 9.6-metre catamaran provides a stable platform for operations in exposed west coast conditions. It is equipped with cranes, winches and crew accommodation to support lifting work, treatment preparation and a range of day-to-day tasks at sea.
Its name was chosen by 11-year-old Greg Sinclair, son of Donnie Sinclair, Bakkafrost Scotland’s head of marine operations. It follows the introduction of its sister vessel, Bradan an Eòlais – meaning “Knowledge of the Salmon” – which entered service last year.
Bakkafrost Scotland recently announced a further £4.4 million package of marine work with Scottish yards. This includes a £3.5 million contract with Macduff Shipyards for another heavy-lift workboat to support wellboat operations, as well as a barge refurbishment project with Bute Boat Builders.
Macduff Shipyards, which operates facilities in Macduff, Buckie and Fraserburgh, has a strong track record in designing and building vessels for the aquaculture and fishing sectors.
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Cabinet Secretary and show him first-hand the vessels, people and partnerships that support our farming operations across Scotland’s west coast and islands.
“Dìonadair a’ Bhradain is another major investment in fish health and welfare, giving our marine teams a highly capable vessel built around the realities of working at sea.
“Our long-standing partnership with Macduff Shipyards is built on trust and a shared commitment to quality.
“Continued investment in Scottish yards is good for our business, good for fish health and welfare, and good for the skilled supply chain and coastal communities that support aquaculture.”
John Watt, managing director of Macduff Shipyards, added: “The Cabinet Secretary’s visit was a welcome opportunity to showcase the expertise, innovation and skilled craftsmanship that goes into designing and building specialist vessels here in Macduff.
“Dìonadair a’ Bhradain reflects the close collaboration we’ve built with Bakkafrost Scotland over many years, delivering a vessel tailored to the practical demands of aquaculture.
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“Long-term investment from companies such as Bakkafrost Scotland gives yards like ours the confidence to invest in people, apprenticeships and capability. It supports highly skilled jobs across the north-east and strengthens Scotland’s marine supply chain.
“We hope today’s visit also highlighted the important contribution Scottish shipbuilding continues to make to coastal communities and the wider economy.”
