| Our Policies - Corporate Social Responsibility Policy |
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has always been integral to business performance and it is something that The Scottish Salmon Company takes very seriously. In the modern commercial environment, reputation, sustainability and corporate values can add competitive advantage and impact to the bottom line. In the case of The Scottish Salmon Company, success is particularly dependent on our staff and the rural communities in which we operate. Economic, social and environmental sustainability in these remote areas of Scotland have a direct relationship with the sustainability of our business. Equally, our brand builds on the landscapes of the West Coast of Scotland and the culture of this part of the world making the commitment and support of these communities to our vision just as vital. The Group has made charitable donations in the year to the sum of £26k with a focus on causes which are close to our operations. We have a CSR programme that responds to these business and social realities and which reaches out to staff, local schools and communities.
Our involvement with Judo is extended through the sponsorship of Dr George Kerr CBE, one of only 6 people in the world to have achieved a 10th Dan. He is also honoured with the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan’s highest awards. Dr Kerr, with backing from The Scottish Salmon Company and the support of the local council, held a Judo event in Stornoway to celebrate the handing over of the Commonwealth Games flag to Scotland. Next year, will see the first Judo club in The Hebrides, run by Dr Kerr and sponsored by The Scottish Salmon Company. The CSR strategy also supports other important aspects of Scotland’s rural communities. We are pursuing a Gaelic plan for the Company, which was put together based on feedback from staff. The plan encourages the use of the Gaelic language and helps to protect and nurture the local Gaelic culture. We have introduced Gaelic at our sites and into our marketing literature. Next year, we begin a series of Gaelic classes for staff. While, in the wider community, we have supported Gaelic sports, attended Gaelic festivals and next year we will begin a three year tuition programme dedicated to the rising stars of Championship Piping in and around Uist. Beyond their impact at a local community level, the CSR plans of The Scottish Salmon Company touch on national issues of heritage, health and sport, providing opportunities for the Company to engage with government, elected officials and business influencers. As the plans build outward from our local operations and on to a more national level, the awareness and positive reputation we aim to create will also support the intended transition from being a trade only brand to one that has a consumer face. In 2011, The Scottish Salmon Company is committed to being a strong, sustainable and proud Scottish business, with CSR leading that drive.
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Spearheading this programme is the Healthy Living Initiative, which brings together food education, health and wellbeing and is closely aligned to Scotland’s Food & Drink Policy. We have organised workshops with local schools, a number endorsed by the local health board and some linked to Judo taster sessions to demonstrate the links between a healthy body and healthy food.