Loch Duart Smokehouse in Loch Carnan, South Uist, has had a really busy Christmas trading period, with sales up 17% on the previous December.

5.2 tonnes of finest smoked salmon was sold from the award-winning smokehouse.

Although November sales were quiet, a surge in home delivery and corporate orders lead to a massive increase in orders heading out.

The increase in orders coincided with particularly unfavourable weather disrupting the Minch crossings. These challenges are part and parcel of artisan food production in remote locations.

Sales Manager Fiona MacDonald: “Smoked salmon parcels were sent all over the world to some quite exotic locations such as Barbados and Thailand.  Loch Duart Smoked Salmon has become a firm favourite with our customers to celebrate special occasions with family and friends and, as a treat to enjoy throughout the year.

“There is a strong island loyalty to our smoked salmon and the Co-op Stornoway is a star performer in Hebridean sales.”

Loch Duart director Nick Joy said: “This result shows just what a top notch smokehouse can achieve. I am pleased to be a very small part in the sales, having taken a side of Flaky to my friends in Moscow over the New Year! They were truly delighted as it is a wonderful reflection of the quality of produce the Hebrides can deliver. 17% increase in year on year sales in a very competitive sector is a huge achievement.”

The kilns are running again this week to restock customers’ fridges. The smokehouse sales team will be following up a new sales enquiry from China and will be nurturing steady business with a new customer from Japan.