Scottish fish farm Kames Fish Farming Ltd is celebrating a double win at this year’s M&S Select Farm Awards, hosted at the 2025 Royal Highland Show, with two national honours recognising both pioneering innovation and exceptional new talent within the company.

The family-run farm, on the West Coast in Loch Melfort, is the only UK producer of sea-grown Steelhead Trout. This year, founder Stuart Cannon MBE, takes home the Innovation Award, while Andre Van, the company’s Fish Health Manager, wins the Emerging Talent Award.

Trailblazer: Stuart Cannon

Stuart started Kames back in 1972 with a clear mission: to raise fish the right way – in harmony with nature, with animal welfare front and centre. Today, his Steelhead Trout are raised in fast-flowing saltwater sites, resulting in strong, healthy fish with a firm texture and flavour that M&S customers love.

But it’s Stuart’s vision behind the scenes that truly sets Kames apart. Over the past 15 years, he has led a groundbreaking broodstock programme, ensuring every trout is bred from a unique, sea-loving strain that’s naturally suited to Scottish waters. This home-grown approach supports fish health, reduces disease risk, and helps the farm adapt to climate change.

His legacy also includes pioneering fish vaccines, setting up academic partnerships, and pushing for better fish health education – work that has earned him multiple industry awards and even an MBE for services to sustainable development.

“Stuart Cannon is a shining example of what long-term innovation and care can achieve,” said Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture at M&S. “His work is shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture.”

Stuart’s award was picked up by the next generation of the family farm, his son and grandson, Andy and Christopher, respectively.

Next Generation Star: Andre Van

Joining Kames straight from university in 2018, Andre Van has quickly impressed as a passionate champion for fish health and welfare. Within a few short years, he’s built the farm’s first-ever fish health department, turning complex science into everyday best practice across all Kames sites.

Whether it’s training farm teams, leading cutting-edge research projects, or reducing medicine usage to support sustainability goals, Andre brings energy, expertise, and a deep love of learning to everything he does.

“Andre is the future of farming – curious, committed, and full of bright ideas,” added McLean. “He’s not just improving animal health – he’s inspiring the next generation of farmers too.”

Still proudly independent and family-run, Kames now employs around 60 people and produces 2,500 tonnes of Steelhead Trout a year. Every fish is raised to the highest welfare standards.

“This is a proud moment for us,” said Stuart Cannon. “It’s not just a win for Kames – it’s a win for sustainable, Scottish farming. It proves that doing things the right way, for the fish and for the environment, really does pay off.”