THE SNP Government has been urged to reject plans for a salmon farm in a Scottish national park – with the application having spent more than 11 months in limbo.
Proposals from Loch Long Salmon (LLS) to build the farm were rejected by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority in late 2022, but the firm appealed to the Scottish Government.
A final report from the Government's reporters was submitted on February 15, 2024 – and no decision has been made by ministers since then.
Now, Green MSP Ariane Burgess has urged the Scottish Government to reject the proposals and has asked people to sign an open letter to that effect..
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Burgess, who has called for a pause on new salmon farms in Scotland, added: “Salmon farming is an unsustainable and often very cruel practice.
“We urgently need to consider how much of our seas we are giving away to an industry which is doing so much harm to marine life and our environment.”
The final decision now lies with the Scottish Government, which has been contacted for a comment.
Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers are giving full and proper consideration to this appeal and every effort is being made to issue a decision as soon as possible.”
A spokesperson for Loch Long Salmon said: "It’s important to clarify that the Arrochar, Ardlui and Tarbet community council, which is the closest community council on Loch Long to the proposed site, supports our plans. Our innovative, closed-pen technology is designed to protect Loch Long’s environment and address concerns about sustainability and marine welfare.
"We look forward to the Scottish Government’s decision and remain confident that our project represents a responsible, forward-looking step for Scottish aquaculture."
