A Barra oyster farm is due to treble in size to aid in the growing production of Pacific oysters.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has approved a planning application for the expansion of Sgeir Mhor in Barra.

Operated by Isle of Barra Shellfish Ltd, which grow both Pacific and European oysters at Traigh Mhor, they sell around 10,000 oysters a week. These are distributed across the UK to companies such as Loch Fyne Oysters, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer.

The planned expansion, which was applied for by the owner of the company Mr Gerard MacDonald, is detailed to take the oyster farm from 1.5 hectares to 4.5 hectares to accommodate the rise in Pacific oyster production in the Western Isles.

Figures published by the Scottish Government showed the growth in production levels from 2024 which was reported to be 161,000 shells to 2025 where it was 529,000.

The Council planning officers approved the development after assessing the impact on residents in the area as well as any environmental impact, finding that it could be carried out without affecting those nearby and wouldn't harm the natural environment or any protected designations. 

The application was submitted on 13 November last year and has been approved with conditions. These being that work must begin on the expansion within three years from now, and in the event that the trestles or any other equipment cease operating for more than a year, the site should go back to its original state prior to work beginning.

As the only oyster producer in the islands, Mr MacDonald told one national news broadcasting company that the rise in oyster production largely reflects his own business rather than growth across the wider industry.

He described oyster farming as a "massive opportunity" that was being "completely missed", pointing to a shortage of new producers and suitable but unused farming sites across the islands.