Company calls for an end to dithering over Beinn Reithe decision
The company hoping to establish Scotland’s first closed-pen salmon farm, on the shores of Loch Long, has slammed the government delays that have kept it waiting three and a half years for a planning decision on the project.
Loch Long Salmon had its planning application for a new salmon farm at Beinn Reithe turned down in 2022 by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. The proposed site falls within the National Park and the Authority felt it was inappropriate.
A year ago, in February 2024, the Reporter for the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division submitted findings to Scottish Ministers on Loch Long Salmon’s proposal, but so far the Scottish Government has made no decision on the company’s appeal.
Loch Long, as a sheltered location with limited tidal movement, would be unlikely to win consent for a conventional open-net fish farm. The company, however, says that its proposed closed-containment design would ensure most of the waste from the fish farm is collected for sustainable use rather than entering the marine environment. The cage design would also minimise the chance of escapes, it also argues.
The company said the proposed farm would represent up to £40m of investment to the rural economy.
Mark Shotter, Project Manager at Loch Long Salmon, said: “The lack of progress is disheartening. Delays to projects like ours risks undermining Scotland’s ability to attract international trade and investment and discourage further innovation.
“Furthermore, the inaction demonstrated by the Scottish Government is at complete odds to the urgency of which we must rebuild our economy and tackle the climate and nature crisis.
The Scottish Government must act decisively—inaction is not an option.”
Loch Long Salmon argues that closed-pen technology, already widely used in countries including Canada, Norway and the Faroe Islands, was approved for implementation in Scotland by SEPA in December 2021, now over three years ago.
It said: “The technology is already transforming the aquaculture industry in those countries by improving the welfare of salmon whilst creating economic opportunities and greener outputs. Representing a groundbreaking opportunity for Scotland to lead in sustainable aquaculture, the technology aligns with Scotland’s goals for environmental stewardship, economic growth and rural development.
“The project will also directly benefit the communities around Arrochar through the creation of 12 full-time jobs once the site is in operation. Loch Long Salmon will also establish a dedicated community benefit fund, contributing £100,000 of funding every year for a minimum of 20 years. Community representatives will decide how to use these funds to best enhance the local area.”
The project had received political backing at the time of its initial planning application and continues to receive support from some quarters.
Ronnie Ross, Chair of the Arrochar, Tarbet, and Ardlui Community Council, said: “As a small community, this level of investment will have a transformative impact and will put us firmly on the map,
“This project has strong community support because of the jobs, investment, and community fund it promises to deliver.”
Jane MacDonald, CEO of Argyll & Bute Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Argyll and Bute’s reputation as a destination for investment relies on clear and timely decision-making. While sustainable farming is important to the region, this delay sends a concerning message to investors. We cannot afford to let bureaucracy stand in the way of innovative, sustainable growth in our community.”
Back in 2022, however, James Stuart, Convenor of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, explained the decision to block the farm: “This decision was taken following careful consideration by the Board of the planning assessment report, together with responses from statutory bodies and community members, and representations from speakers both in support of and in objection to the proposal at a thorough public hearing in Arrochar.
“This application is for development within a National Park and it is our view that such a nationally important landscape is not the appropriate location to host development of such an industrial scale and where the risk of an escape of farmed fish could impact on designated water courses.”
He added: “The proposed development also presents a number of significant landscape, seascape and visual issues. It would have an industrial character and would notably contrast with the largely undeveloped and remote character of the local landscape.”
The project is also opposed by the Scottish Green Party. Green MSP Ariane Burgess said last month: “Loch Long is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The proposed salmon farm could scar the loch’s iconic coastline and badly harm its wildlife.
“This application is totally inappropriate, and has already been opposed by the community council and the National Park Authority. There are no fish farms in Loch Long, and the local community wants to keep it that way.
“There is no reason for this application to have been under consideration for so long. I urge the Scottish Government to end the uncertainty by listening to local people and finally rejecting it.”
Both the company and its opponents agree on one thing – a decision on Beinn Reithe is long overdue.
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