Ministers give go-ahead to controversial salmon farm

An artist's impression shows what the containers will look like on the loch

Ministers have given the go-ahead for a new type of salmon farm in Argyll, overturning a previous planning decision.

The farm will be on the banks of Loch Long, near Arrochar, and will be used for a "semi-closed containment system".

This involves the use of pollution-limiting containers which Loch Long Salmon claims will separate wild and farmed fish.

The plan was rejected by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority in 2022. Ministers have also gone against the advice of the official planning reporter.

The farm will place salmon within a membrane, using water which is pumped from some distance away, to reduce the risk of sea lice and of escapes.

Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, re-stated the body's view that such an industrial-scale farm was not suitable for a national park.

She said: "Board members cited the significant landscape, seascape and visual issues of the proposed development and that the risk of an escape of farmed fish could impact on the fragile wild salmon population.

"We continue to stand by those reasons for refusal and note that the Scottish government-appointed reporter also recommended to ministers that the appeal should be dismissed on some of these grounds.

"In addition, while ministers have not accepted the reporter's recommendation, this was acknowledged as a finely balanced decision."

She added: "We are disappointed by the news that this appeal has been allowed, however the right of appeal is an important part of the planning process, and we respect that process despite the outcome in this case."

Artist's impression of how the farm will look

Aff the Clyde, which represents locals campaigning against proposed fish farms around Loch Long and the wider Firth of Clyde area, said the decision was "very disappointing".

A spokesperson added: "It's taken almost two years for the Scottish government to come to a decision which ignores the views of planning professionals, environmental experts, the independent planning reporter and the Loch Long communities affected by this untrialled technology."

Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess said: "The Scottish Greens have supported the campaign to stop the development, which has gained strong backing from local residents, environmental groups and more than 4,700 signatures.

"Only two miles from Loch Lomond, at the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Loch Long is an iconic landscape.

"It's home to seals, otters and seabirds, as well as linking with the Endrick Water Special Area of Conservation, which hosts a fragile population of endangered Atlantic Salmon.

"I am deeply disappointed by this decision. It is a devastating day for local nature and a betrayal of local people."

The ministers' judgement on the appeal is final.

When asked for a comment by BBC Scotland News, a Scottish government spokesman confirmed that planning permission had been granted and said the ministers' full reasoning was set out in the decision letter.

'A positive signal to investors'

Mark Shotter, project director at Loch Long Salmon, welcomed the news.

"After years of planning and engagement with communities and stakeholders, we are tremendously pleased to have the backing of the Scottish government to deliver our first project at Loch Long," he said.

"Representing £40m of investment, the project brings with it a wealth of community benefit through job creation and dedicated community funds, strengthening both the national and local economies."

He said the decision was good for business investment in the sector.

Mr Shotter added: "Achieving a positive determination underlines the Scottish government's prioritisation of investment within rural communities and positions Scotland as a forward-thinking and innovative country, adoptive of new technologies that will enhance the aquaculture sector's international competitiveness and send a positive signal to investors."