THE Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) has reported a 43 per cent rise in quarterly revenues to £33.8 million, aided by an increase in exports, writes Marion Dakers.

The firm, which has 60 sites across the Highlands and Islands, Argyll and Bute and the Western Isles, said the warm summer had helped the salmon grow and boosted its harvest to 8,027 tonnes, up from 5,976 in the same period last year.

SSC said a renewed focus on marketing its salmon as a premium product had also helped. International sales now account for 42 per cent of quarterly revenues. The company produces a fifth of all Scottish salmon.

Earnings per kilo fell from £0.64 a year ago to £0.61, which the company said was caused by the added cost of harvesting in more remote areas. SSC is spending £11m on expanding the business this year.