Wester Ross salmon farming veteran Gilpin Bradley retires after trailblazing role in Highland 'success story'
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A VETERAN salmon farmer twice named as a food and drink ambassador for the Highlands has been praised for his "grit, resilience and know-how" on his retiral.
Gilpin Bradley was managing director of Wester Ross Salmon for 33 years – a company his father Robin co-founded in 1977.
Today he was hailed for being part of "one of the greatest private sector economic success stories in the Highlands and Islands in the last 50 years".
With a business degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, he was also former chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, now Salmon Scotland, and in 2022 was named Ambassador of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards.
He won the same award in 2013.
“I am very pleased to have been part of Scottish salmon farming – one of the greatest private sector economic success stories in the Highlands and Islands in the last 50 years. Wester Ross has survived many challenging cycles by having a strong commitment from my dedicated team, some of whom are now third generation. Our focus on all natural artisan farming practices has created an enviable brand, and our unique approach is greatly appreciated by our long-standing loyal customers.” - Gilpin Bradley
He founded the Wester Ross Salmon Education Trust to help pupils of Ullapool High School achieve their full career potential. He has been praised for a commitment in investing in the next generation of students interested in following a sustainable lifestyle in aquaculture, environmental studies or STEM subjects.
Last June, Wester Ross Salmon was sold to the world’s largest salmon farming company, Mowi, with Bradley continuing through the ownership transition as business development director, Farming Scotland, and managing director of Wester Ross Salmon.
Ben Hadfield, COO at Mowi Scotland, said: “Gilpin is such a respected and admired leader, with many farmers having learned their trade from him directly. His experience spans every part of the business’s value chain and is a key reason for the growth and success of the Wester Ross Salmon brand.
"He is a charming artisan, which is supported by the grit, resilience and know-how needed to meet all the challenges of farming salmon in Wester Ross for over three decades. I wish Gilpin the best for his very well-deserved retirement.”
Mr Bradley said: “I am very pleased to have been part of Scottish salmon farming – one of the greatest private sector economic success stories in the Highlands and Islands in the last 50 years. Wester Ross has survived many challenging cycles by having a strong commitment from my dedicated team, some of whom are now third generation. Our focus on all natural artisan farming practices has created an enviable brand, and our unique approach is greatly appreciated by our long-standing loyal customers.”
He will remain available to Mowi and the team at Wester Ross.
Looking to retirement, he "expects to spend time focussing on his current health challenges, supporting his two teenage daughters and finally achieving a sensible work-life balance!"
