Fife-based Mowi Scotland Limited pled guilty to health and safety breaches at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.

The prosecutor told the court that on the afternoon of 18 February 2020 at the company’s Ardintoul fish farm on the South side of Loch Alsh the work boat Beinn Na Caillich was preparing to transfer assistant fish farm manager, Clive Henry, 58, to a floating permanent structure known as a sea cap when the accident occurred.

Speaking after the sentencing, Debbie Carroll, who leads on health and safety investigations for COPFS, said: “Clive Hendry was much loved by his partner and a well-liked and respected man by friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Mowi Scotland Limited accepted liability and the Crown accepted their guilty plea to the contraventions of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Since this incident the company has introduced new risk assessments and has put into practice safe systems of work.

“Had these been in place at the time then Mr Hendry’s transfer from the Beinn na Cailleach to the sea cap would have taken place without incident and he would be alive today. Hopefully this incident should prompt other employers to consider their duties and that failing to keep their employees safe can have fatal consequences for which they will be held accountable.”