New plans for Skye fish farms after previous rejections

A company is seeking approval to build 10 salmon cages on the north east coast

Revised plans have been lodged for fish farms at sites on Skye's north east coast that failed to secure consent four years ago.

Organic Sea Harvest is seeking approval from Highland Council to build 10 salmon cages near Flodigarry and another 10 at Balmaqueen.

The previous proposals for 12 cages at each site were refused permission by councillors following a vote, and later by a Scottish government-appointed official after the company appealed.

Highland Council planning officials have recommended councillors approve the new plans.

Organic Sea Harvest, which already runs two farms, said it had worked with the Scottish government, regulators and Highland Council to produce its new proposals.

It said it cared about local communities and the new farms would help its workforce and business to thrive.

But former councillor Calum MacLeod said there were concerns four years ago about the impact on a scenic area, and was disappointed new plans had been submitted only a few years after the earlier proposals were rejected.

He said: "You have to listen to the strength of local sentiment.

"The strength of will was overwhelming. I cannot see how will have changed."