Over 4000 oppose destructive Loch Long salmon farm proposal
Over 4000 people have joined the call for the Scottish Government to finally reject destructive proposals for an industrial salmon farm development at Loch Long.
The objections have been lodged via a web portal created by Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess.
The controversial proposal was rejected by the National Park Authority in 2022. It was appealed by the developers almost 12 months ago, with the Scottish Government taking the rare decision to “call” it in.
Only 2 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.
The final decision now lies with the Scottish Government and Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison.
Ms Burgess said:
“A lot of residents have told me how concerned they are by this destructive proposal and what it would do to their local environment.
“This has hung over local people for far too long. They want a decision and for the uncertainty to end.
“Loch Long is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The salmon farm would scar all of that. At present there is no salmon farming on Loch Long, and the local community wants to keep it that way.
“I hope that the Cabinet Secretary reflects on the strength of local feeling and that together we can ensure that this iconic landscape and its wildlife are preserved for future generations.”
Ms Burgess added:
“The issue is bigger than this proposal. Salmon farming is an unsustainable and often very cruel practice that is in urgent need of dramatic improvement. We should not be giving away more of our waters to it.
“Scotland positions itself as a frontrunner when it comes to animal welfare, but the overfarming of salmon is a risk to that reputation.
"It is time to pause new salmon farms and take meaningful action to address high mortality rates, environmental harm, and the welfare of farmed fish.”