Club Sets Sail Thanks to Salmon Group

Meridian Salmon Group Press releases

A sailing club that has been running for nearly a hundred years has been thrown a life line from one of Scotland’s biggest Salmon farming firms.

Meridian Salmon Group has provided the Westray Sailing Club in Orkney with £1000 which will be used towards buying brand new sails for its three racing boats.

The club is a historic fixture of Orkney life and is fundamental to the Westray Regatta, the biggest sailing race in Orkney, taking place annually in July.

Managing Director of Meridian Salmon Group, Mark Warrington, said: “The Westray Sailing Club is an important part of Orkney life, and several of those working at Meridian Salmon Group and their families, are members.

“We were thrilled when the club approached us for sponsorship, as we feel strongly about the island’s traditions and the role we as a company play in the local economy – and recognise Westray Sailing Club is considered an island institution.

“We would like to think that in making a contribution we are supporting the tradition of sailing and providing people of every generation, both locals and tourists, the opportunity to give it a go.”

 In order to survive, the club rents out the boats they own to those who take part in the island’s various races, so unless the boats are equipped with up to date gear these vessels are not in demand.

Sam Harcus, Westray Sailing Club Secretary, said: “Meridian Salmon Group has shown a true interest in the future of our club, recognising its importance to the local community and we are absolutely delighted with its generous donation.

“The firm now employ a large number of people here in Orkney, and are obviously based near by, so it is great to know they are supporting organisations in the area like us, which are so fundamental to Orkney life.

“The club itself has been running since about 1926 and our yearly regatta is a fantastic day out for the whole family, whether you are a sailor, a spectator or a visitor.

“Every year we organise a dance for the younger folk on the Friday night, and then on the Saturday we have a big ceildih. While the race is on, spectators watch from both sides of the bay and there are stalls selling food and drinks set up on the pier.

“All of the races organised by the club are social events that involve both local people and tourists, and with the support of Meridian we do not see this tradition stopping any time in the future.”

Meridian Salmon Group’s investment and planned expansion in production is particularly crucial in Scotland, where it helps support an industry that directly employs 2124 people – and thousands more in the salmon supply chain.

In particular, hundreds of jobs and fragile rural, island economies such as Orkney are dependent on the salmon farming industry, which is now Scotland’s biggest food exporter and worth £1.4bn to the Scottish economy in the last four years.

More information about Meridian Salmon Group can be found at www.meridiansalmon.com

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