Salmon farmer provides hands-on lesson for lab skills students

Western Isles science students applied their laboratory skills in the workplace on a recent visit to salmon farmer Bakkafrost Scotland’s hatchery at Langass, North Uist.

The S3 pupils in the Lab Skills class at Sgoil Lionacleit, Benbecula, were hosted by Bakkafrost Scotland’s head of broodstock, Charlotte Barr, who showed the students how their skills apply to day to day operations at the site.

Pupils used their classroom knowledge to measure liquids accurately, and calculate fish egg numbers using silica gel balls as stand-ins for real ova. They also worked out how long their eggs would take before they were ready for delivery, and learned about health and safety and risk assessments on site.

Barr said: “This was a great visit, and we were delighted to host the pupils and staff, and to show the young people the employment opportunities aquaculture holds for them in the area that they grew up in.

“They left with a better understanding of what aquaculture is. They are used to seeing marine sites and but now they know all about the hatchery too. They really enjoyed the practical activity, and it was great to show them how them how we use the same lab skills they are learning at school here in the hatchery.”

A highly valuable visit

Sharon MacRury, the school’s Developing the Young Workforce co-ordinator, said thanked Bakkafrost Scotland for hosting the visit.

“The experience provided a fantastic example of Developing the Young Workforce at its best, giving pupils the opportunity to see how their learning can be applied in a real-world context,” said MacRury.

“The insight into broodstock management and egg production, along with the hands-on practical activity, made the visit both engaging and highly valuable. It was clear to see how much the pupils gained from being able to apply their lab skills within a working environment.

“We really appreciate the time, effort, and enthusiasm put into making the visit so informative and enjoyable.”