Scottish Sea Farms’ long-standing Regional Production Manager for Shetland, Graham Smith, is leaving the company to seek a new role closer to home, the company announced on June 15.

Gideon Pringle, the company's director of farming will temporarily takeover Smith's role until a replacement is found.

Smith served in his position for a decade and had been with the company for a total of 16 years before stepping down.

“Leaving behind the company, my colleagues and Shetland itself after so many years is incredibly tough,” Smith said.

“However, after a decade of traveling back and forth from my home on the mainland, the time feels right to embark on a new career chapter involving less travel and allowing more time to spend with family.”

Smith's aquaculture career started in 1986 with husbandry roles at Otter Ferry Salmon and Seabon Salmon in Loch Fyne.

In the early '90's, AquaScot named Smith site manager for both freshwater and marine farms. He was then promoted to area manager for mainstream farming.

Scottish Sea Farms poached Smith in 2004 as Loch Kishorn farm manager, where he then worked his way up to his current position.

The SalMar and Leroy-owned salmon farmer is currently looking to trial Scotland’s first open-ocean farm as a first step in measuring potential for more sustainable Scottish farmed salmon production.

Should it go ahead, the multi-million pound funding will come from Scottish Sea Farms’ Norwegian owner Norskott Havbruk, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Leroy Seafood and SalMar.