Decision on semi-closed fish farm will be made as soon as possible, insist ministers
Government says plan for farm that would be the first in Scotland is being given 'full and proper consideration' after delay is highlighted during Holyrood salmon farming inquiry
The Scottish Government has claimed it is making “every effort” to decide whether to permit a semi-closed containment salmon farm at Beinn Reithe, Loch Long as quickly as possible, despite an inquiry into the project concluding more than a year ago.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority’s planning board refused permission for the 3,400-tonne farm in October 2022, and that decision was appealed in February 2023. A planning inquiry headed by a government-appointed planning reporter was held in late September and early October last year as part of the appeals process.
Following the inquiry, the planning reporter considered the evidence for a number of weeks before giving ministers a report with recommendations in order for them to take a final decision.
Almost two years
The delay in reaching that decision was highlighted at the Scottish Parliament on November 13, when Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon was giving evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s inquiry into salmon farming.
Convenor Finlay Carson asked the minister if there were capacity issues in the Scottish Government.
“We have received correspondence from Loch Long Salmon, whose planning application for an innovative semi-enclosed caged farming system might well address some of the issues that we have (in open net pen salmon farming),” said Carson. “That application has been sitting with the Scottish Government for two years, waiting for approval or otherwise. When it comes to planning, is there an issue in the Scottish Government?”
Gougeon said she couldn’t comment because she does not deal with that area.
“I presume that that would be led by the planning minister, who will make a determination,” added Gougeon.
Full condsideration
Finance and Local Government Secretary Shona Robison is taking the decision on the Loch Long Salmon application.
Fish Farming Expert asked Robison’s department if ministers accept that they are taking longer than usual to decide on this application, what the reasons for the delay might be, and when ministers are likely to announce a decision on this application.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish ministers are giving full and proper consideration to this appeal and every effort is being made to issue a decision as soon as possible.”
They wouldn’t elaborate on what “every effort” meant in this case.
'Clear timeline is critical'
LLS project director Mark Shotter said: “We’re now approaching two years since we submitted an appeal for our proposed project at Beinn Reithe. The project, which represents a £40 million investment, will deliver economic benefits to the local and national economy while creating jobs and advancing Scotland’s aquaculture targets. A clear decision timeline is critical for the confidence of both investors and the supply chain itself.”
Loch Long Salmon (LLS) wants to site four floating 140-metre circumference enclosures at Beinn Reithe, together with a fifth enclosure to be used as a harvest pen. The impermeable enclosures would have standard nets inside.
LLS has said it will be able to collect more than 85% of fish faeces and uneaten feed from the enclosures and that its method of farming should also remove or drastically reduce problems with sea lice, which parasitise farmed salmon. Water for the semi-closed containment system (SCCS) is pumped into the enclosures from below the layer of the water column where sea lice are normally found.
Treated water
A dilute waste stream from the enclosures would be pumped to a shore base and dewatered. Waste would be collected and taken off site, and treated water would be returned to the loch.
In January 2021, LLS was granted a Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to farm up to 3,452 tonnes of fish at Beinn Reithe.
LLS has said it believes the National Park Authority (NPA) board failed to sufficiently and correctly consider the opinions of SEPA, Forestry and Land Scotland, NatureScot and the Arrochar Community Council, which all believe the project can proceed.
Along with its appeal for the Beinn Reithe site, LLS plans an 8,000-tonnes-per-year SCCS salmon farm at Lurignish, Loch Linnhe, but has not yet submitted a planning application to Argyll and Bute Council.
