The Scottish Highland Council has approved Marine Harvest’s request to build a new feed mill on the island of Skye.

The complex of industrial buildings, storage silos and pier development will operate as a production plant for salmon feed. Projected annual output from the plant is 170,000 tons, requiring a large-scale operation on just under 5 acres.

In his report to committee, planning officer Mark Harvey said: “The proposed development represents a significant and welcome investment.”

The new plant will create 55 new jobs with a salary bill of £1.7m, a welcome contribution to the local economy. Construction of the mill is expected to be completed in 2018.

The site of the new mill is on the northern shore of southern Skye, immediately adjacent to the Kyle Akin narrows and the Skye Bridge crossing from the mainland, from which the site can be viewed.