MULL firm Inverlussa Marine Services has taken delivery of its second new aquaculture support boat in an £8 million deal that represents a major vote of confidence in Scotland’s fish-farming industry.

Like the the Gina Mary, delivered in May this year, the Kiera Fiona was designed by Macduff Ship Design in Aberdeenshire and built in Norway. They increase the Inverlussa Marine Services fleet to 11 vessels.

Both will work on contracts for Marine Harvest Scotland, supporting 49 sites owned and worked by the world’s largest producer of farmed salmon.

Inverlussa managing director Ben Wilson said: “When we made the significant investment in these ships, we had no contracts for them to fulfil. But it was an important time for us to invest in a growing sector and shows our confidence in fish farming in Scotland. We are delighted to be working with Marine Harvest. Fish farming continues to be a success story in Scotland.”