SALES of salmon overseas reached a record high last year, with Scottish firms exporting £618 million worth of the fish to countries across the globe. The value of salmon sales abroad in 2019 rose by 22%, according to figures from the UK Government.

At the same time, the overall amount of fish exported grew by 26% to more than 94,000 tonnes.

Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) chief executive, said the figures showed “just what an extraordinary success Scottish salmon is”.

More than half of salmon sold overseas went to Europe, with the EU responsible for 52% of all sales terms of value.

The figures were released the day after the SSPO raised concerns about the impact that Brexit would have on the sector.

Outside of Europe, the US was the second-largest market for Scottish salmon, with sales there amounting to £179m, a rise of 28%.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “These record-breaking figures demonstrate that demand for Scottish salmon is soaring and highlights the world-class reputation our producers enjoy.”

Hesketh-Laird said: “Such record-breaking performance is hugely encouraging and reflects the excellent reputation which Scottish salmon has in international markets.

“Scottish salmon’s good environmental story with its small carbon footprint and low water use plus global recognition of its taste, quality and provenance is clearly understood in almost every corner of the globe.”

She said the sector “sustains more than 2300 jobs in Scotland, mostly in sparsely populated rural areas”, and added: “These latest export successes represent a trailblazer for other Scottish food overseas and provide a further reminder of the importance of salmon, both to the Scottish economy and to the food and drink sector.”

The SSPO has already raised concerns that if Export Health Certificates are needed for sales to Europe after the end of the Brexit transition period, this could cost the farmed salmon sector between £1.3m and £8.7m per year.

The industry also fears the impact that delays and hold-ups in getting salmon to the continent could have.

Ewing said: “The need to explore and take advantage of international markets could not be clearer given the current uncertainty around our future trading relationship with Europe.

“This is an important time for the Scottish farmed salmon sector, which contributes significantly to the rural economy, supporting families and livelihoods in some of our most fragile communities.

“I’m confident that the Scottish Government and industry will continue to work together to unlock further sustainable growth of this vital sector.”