Scottish aquaculture company Mowi has acquired Sanda Island in Argyll and Bute, located at the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula. The company plans to establish a salmon farm off the island’s east coast, while also developing the island as a tourism destination.
The purchase includes the former hotel, houses, Campbeltown shipyard, and Sandbank House. The fish farm will create 14 new jobs in two shifts, including apprenticeships. In addition, Mowi’s investment will generate 10 more jobs linked to tourism development.
Plans include refurbishing the hotel and housing, appointing a caretaker couple, and adding yacht moorings to boost tourism. The company also intends to improve accessibility to the mainland and explore rewilding and nature enhancement projects.
Ben Hadfield, Mowi’s Chief Operating Officer for Farming in Scotland, Ireland, the Faroes, and Canada East, highlighted the opportunity to bring positive change to the island. Mowi’s experience with other Scottish islands like Rum, Muck, and Colonsay has focused on infrastructure improvements, including housing and broadband, to attract residents.
Mowi has also acquired Fladda-chuain, an uninhabited island off the northern tip of Skye, with further details to be announced.
The company invites interested parties to contact them about job opportunities and participation in the island’s development.
