NEW guidelines for the growing Scottish seaweed industry have been published for the first time in a bid to boost the economy and provide clarity over the environmental impacts of farms.

The Scottish Government Seaweed Cultivation Policy Statement also sets out the framework concerning the environmental impacts of seaweed farms, including the requirements to consider and mitigate adverse effects.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We are starting to see the growth in seaweed as a commercial product, used in a huge range of items including food, cosmetics and fertilisers.

“We know the west coast of Scotland is the perfect environment for seaweed cultivation.”