Barratlantic Ltd was established in 1973 to process crab and pelagic fish on the Isle of Barra. Initially, investment was provided by Highlands & Island Development Board (HIDB), community shareholdings and an Orkadian family who already had interests and experience in the industry. A plant was established at Ardveenish on Barra to land fish straight from the sea where it could be processed for sale. Due to the lack of sea management before this point, many of the crab caught were diseased and the company struggled. In 1976, John King of West Coast Sea Products Ltd, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, bought into the company although HIDB remained the majority shareholder. As well as the company owning and operating its own fleet of boats, local fishermen are also contracted. The bulk of the company’s product range is sold in Europe through agents in Spain, Italy, France, Belgium and Ireland. The company established its own fleet of vehicles to transport fish to market in Glasgow from 1974 but in c1978/9 the company expanded into the haulage of other good to service the islands businesses and population in moving goods and possessions. In c1984, HIDB offered up their shares for sale and john King became the majority share holder. Following the closure of Hull Fish Mills in c1988 on the Aerdveenish site, Barratlantic purchased their site and their business in supplying heating oil to the island’s residents through a contract with Scottish Fuels. Similarly, when West Highland Croft & Farmers ceased trading on the island in the early 1990s, Barratlantic moved into providing crofting supplies such as animal feeds, crop seeds and other crofting goods. A subsidiary company, Barratlantic (Producers) Ltd was also established in 1974 but is a dormant, non-trading company.