Loch Long salmon farm approval a devastating day for nature
The Scottish Government’s decision to approve an industrial salmon farm development at Loch Long is a devastating day for local nature and a betrayal of local people, says Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
The controversial proposal was rejected by the National Park Authority in 2022. It was appealed by the developers 18 months ago, with the Scottish Government taking the rare decision to “call” it in.
The Scottish Greens have supported the campaign to stop the development, which has gained strong backing from local residents, environmental groups and more than 4,700 signatures.
Only two miles from Loch Lomond, at the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Loch Long is an iconic landscape. It's home to seals, otters and seabirds, as well as linking with the Endrick Water Special Area of Conservation, which hosts a fragile population of endangered Atlantic Salmon.
Ariane said:
“I am deeply disappointed by this decision. It is a devastating day for local nature and a betrayal of local people.
“The National Park and the planning reporter both looked at the facts and listened to the community before rejecting these controversial plans. The Government should have done the same.
“This has been hanging over people for far too long, and this will mean more upheaval that will risk the area’s renowned natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
“We saw the same cavalier approach taken in their decision to back the widely opposed Flamingo Land development. What does the SNP have against our natural environment?
“Loch Long is a special place. This development will damage the landscape, disturb wildlife, and change the character of the area forever. At present there is no salmon farming on Loch Long, and we should keep it that way.”