Scotland’s first semi-closed containment salmon farm finally gets green light

Representing GBP 40 million worth of investment, the Beinn Reithe application was called-in by the Scottish Government for determination and  approved by Scottish Ministers on 26 August 2025. Loch Long Salmon can now progress with its vision to bring semi-closed containment technology to Scotland, having already secured its permit from SEPA in December 2021.

Semi-closed containment farming is already widely used in countries including Canada, Norway and the Faroe Islands.

“After years of planning and engagement with communities and stakeholders, we are tremendously pleased to have the backing of the Scottish Government to deliver our first project at Loch Long. Representing GBP 40 million of investment, the project brings with it a wealth of community benefit through job creation and dedicated community funds, strengthening both the national and local economies,” Loch Long Salmon Project Director Mark Shotter said.

“Achieving a positive determination underlines the Scottish Government’s prioritisation of investment within rural communities and positions Scotland as a forward-thinking and innovative country, adoptive of new technologies that will enhance the aquaculture sector’s international competitiveness and send a positive signal to investors.”

According to Loch Long Salmon, the project will also directly benefit the communities around Arrochar through the creation of 12 full-time jobs once the site is in operation. The company 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: “I very much welcome the news that Loch Long Salmon can now progress with the delivery of their innovative project that will inject significant investment into the local community.

“The dedicated community fund will go a long-way towards future-proofing many local organisations and events, which underlines Loch Long Salmon’s commitment to delivering positive impact within the region. I am also encouraged at the number of jobs that will be created as given our rural location, this is vital in a bid to retain a skilled workforce within the region.”

Semi-closed containment farming systems look much like conventional pens from above, but under the water they have an opaque, impermeable outer barrier that surrounds the fish net, with water drawn up and circulated from deeper in the loch. This removes the threat of sea lice and attacks by seal sand allows the farmer to capture waste and bring it ashore for a circular economy application such as waste to energy.