Loch Long Salmon has called out Scottish government for its delay in determining what it calls a “once in a generation opportunity” to bring closed-pen salmon farming to Scotland.
A year has passed since the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division submitted findings to Scottish Ministers on Loch Long Salmon’s proposal for Scotland’s first closed-pen salmon farm in Loch Long, Argyll & Bute.
Representing up to GBP 40 million of investment to the rural economy, the Beinn Reithe appeal was called in by the Scottish government for determination in 2022. The DPEA reporter submitted their findings to Scottish ministers in February 2024. Combined, the total determination time by both local and Scottish government at the various stages of determination for this single project now stands at three and a half years.
“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 Project Manager Mark Shotter said.
Loch Long Salmon, a partnership of Simply Blue Group, Golden Acre Foods and Stewart Hawthorn, highlighted 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.
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, adding that it aligns with Scotland’s goals for environmental stewardship, economic growth and rural development.
The project will create 12 full-time jobs once the site is operational. In addition, Loch Long Salmon will also establish a dedicated community benefit fund, contributing GBP 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.
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.”
