AN independent salmon farming company has been highly commended in the Rural Employer of the Year category at the fourth annual Scottish Rural Awards.

Loch Duart, which is based in Sutherland and the Hebrides, was given the accolade at the ceremony and gala dinner which took take place on Thursday at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.

The employer award was accepted by Andy Bing, Sales Director for Loch Duart.

Loch Duart, which employs over 115 staff, has been an established business for nearly 20 years and is a significant employer in the remote communities of North West Scotland.

Many of the staff work each day out at sea rearing the firm’s extraordinary tasting salmon, asked for by name around the world.

“Being Highly Commended in the Rural Employer Award is hugely important to us as we are rightfully proud of our fantastic team, who make our extraordinary tasting Loch Duart salmon one of the most in-demand products at restaurants and hotels across the globe,” said Alban Denton, the company’s managing director.