Mowi's Scottish operations at Colonsay confirmed the escape of 73,600 salmon after a battering from storm Brendan last week.

Post-storm inspections revealed structural failure of the pen, causing a tear in the netting. Other netpens on site were confirmed as secure.

The loss of fish weighing an average 1.9 kilograms from one netpen was reported to Scotland's regulator.

“We are very disappointed that this structural failure has occurred,” David MacGillivray, Mowi’s regional farm manager said.