Loch Long fish farm: Planning Appeal hearing

The developers of the proposed salmon mega-farm on Loch Linnhe are also behind a proposal for another farm using the same unproven technology at Beinn Reithe, Loch Long, within the boundaries of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The planning application for this farm was overwhelmingly rejected by the National Park in November 2022, but the developers then appealed and the application was "called-in" for decision by Scottish Ministers.

The Planning Appeal began at Arrochar in September with hearings in front of the Reporter, who will then submit a decision recommendation to Ministers. Long Live Loch Linnhe have been represented at these hearings, as we are concerned that a go ahead for the Loch Long project will make it more likely for the Loch Linnhe project also to go ahead.

Major questions were raised at the Appeal, including whether the technology is experimental or commercially proven, whether the proposed waste management system can be anything like as effective as the developers say and the overall effectiveness of the farm in controlling sea lice.

To find out more, please read our detailed summary of the Appeal hearings to date, written by David MacDowall of AFFthe Clyde.

For the comprehensive technical detail which underpins many of the objections to these mega-farms, please read the Statement and Risk Assessment submitted to the Appeal Reporter by Paul Nicoll and Robin Stopford, both members of Long Live Loch Linnhe.

The hearings continue - live and archived webcasts are available on the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals website here (search for PPA-002-2020).