Around 75,000 salmon escape from farm damaged by Storm Amy into Loch Linnhe

Around 75,000 salmon escaped from a farm damaged by Storm Amy into open water in the Highlands.

Seafood company Mowi said part of a net at its Gorsten farm was torn as strong winds and heavy rain battered the country last week.

The salmon, which had an average weight of around 860g, escaped into Loch Linnhe.

The company said it was investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for Mowi said: “Following severe winds during Storm Amy, Mowi regrets that around 75,000 fish with an average weight of 860g have escaped from one pen at our Gorsten seawater farm.

“Initial investigations indicate that the intense weather conditions caused mooring anchors to drag, and this brought the pen net into contact with a flotation pipe subsequently causing a tear.

“Despite challenging conditions, Mowi swiftly informed the relevant authorities, including local fisheries stakeholders and is now undertaking a full investigation.”