Scottish salmon industry warns foreign ‘dark money’ fuels anti-farming campaigns

Salmon Scotland claims that undisclosed foreign money is being channeled into campaigns aimed at closing Scottish salmon farms, a sector that underpins roughly 11,000 jobs and the UK’s leading food export. The body points to public grant records showing at least £1.2 million linked to anti-farming organisations, and warns that the actual sum could be far larger because funds often pass through multiple charities and foundations.

Groups such as WildFish have received sizeable grants - £845,000 and additional sums - to promote opposition to open-net farming, while international bodies like the Effective Altruism Animal Welfare Fund and Compassion in World Farming have contributed millions to related advocacy. Industry leaders, including chief executive Tavish Scott, and MSP Tim Eagle, demand full transparency on who finances these campaigns and why, arguing that hidden funding could distort debate and jeopardise rural employment.

Charities counter that their donations are publicly recorded and aimed at improving animal welfare and environmental standards. The Scottish Parliament’s rural affairs committee continues to hear evidence from all sides as the issue heads into the 2026 election cycle.