The value of Atlantic salmon rose to over £1 billion last year, according to new figures.

The figure represents a 37% increase from the previous year.

The annual Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey also shows 2017 was a record year for Atlantic salmon production, with almost 190,000 tonnes produced, up 16.5% on 2016.

There was also an increase in the production of brown/sea trout last year, from 41 to 61 tonnes, although rainbow trout decreased by 6% in to 7,637 tonnes.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The fish farm industry forms an integral part of Scotland’s rural economy – creating jobs and providing capital in some of our most rural communities. So it’s very encouraging to see salmon production value on the increase yet again.

“Demand for Scottish seafood has also increased domestically in recent years and, through measures such as the establishment Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group, we are putting in place the conditions for a sustainable industry that can meet future projected market demands.

“This includes the publication of Scotland’s 10 Year Farmed Fish Health Framework which will ensure that fish health remains at the heart of sustainable production.

“However, this huge Scottish success story is directly threatened by the UK Government’s Brexit plans, which would remove Scotland from the world’s biggest single market, which is around eight times the size of the UK market alone.”