I have lived on the Isle of Lewis all my life. When I left school, I decided to go into fish farming, primarily because I enjoy working outdoors and working with boats, but also because it provided an opportunity to work locally without having to leave home.

I attended Lews Castle College for a two-year course as a trainee fish farmer, which involved 21 weeks at college and block release. Fortunately, I found a job before the end of the course and my new employer allowed me to complete my studies.

I have been employed by Marine Harvest Scotland, a salmon farm on Lewis, for 11 years. My present position is a senior farm assistant. Part of my work is to feed and check the fish as well as cleaning and maintaining the nets. A lot of boat work is involved as the fish are kept in pens in sea lochs and brought in by boats. At the moment, we are harvesting the fish, which involves a two-year cycle. Once the fish pens are emptied, we re-stock with new fish, grown by ourselves.

I also have responsibility for managing the habitats, with special regard to safety, hygiene and conservation. My employer has sent me on additional courses for fork lift/ crane operations, health and safety, first aid and manual handling.