Campaigners have hit back after news that developers are appealing against the refusal of their plans for a fish farm on Loch Long.
The first semi-closed salmon farm in the UK was proposed by the Loch Long Salmon Company for Beinn Reathe, but it was rejected last autumn by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.
This week the company said it had issued an appeal to the Scottish government, saying the national park’s decision had been ‘based on fear and lack of knowledge and understanding’.
But now AFFtheClyde, whose members are made up of residents from around Loch Long, has issued a statement in response which defends the national park decision.
Hilary Worton of the group said: “Given that the main rationale for refusal by the national park was ‘that the development did not meet its aims which are to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area; promote the sustainable use of the natural resources and to promote sustainable social and economic development of the area’s communities’, an industrial fish farm, which would be the largest in Scotland, would be incompatible with these aims.
“While the Loch Long site may have been specifically chosen for its relative shelter, our changing climate is producing extreme weather events on a regular basis.
“The head of Loch Long with its restricted flushing of headwaters is an entirely inappropriate location for such a large aquaculture development.”
She added that otters, badgers and seals had been confirmed at the site and there was also evidence of red squirrels and sparrow hawks.
Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council supported the plan, but the campaigners have questioned whether this is actually the nearest community council, as stated by the Loch Long Salmon Company.
“The Beinn Reathe site falls within the boundary of Loch Goil Community Council, who failed to come to a decision whether to support or oppose the plan,” said Hilary, adding that the site had been gifted to the community for ‘public recreational use’ by Glasgow politician and philanthropist Archibald Cameron Corbet.
I can support the statement that Red Squirrels and Sparrow Hawks are prevalent in the Arrochar area having witnessed 2 red squirrels only last week and many sightings of sparrow hawks. This is a beautiful area that should remain so.