Salmon farm chiefs conceded to meet with a group of Harris fishermen and residents over growing local anger about a large scale fish farm.
Fishermen warn the 20 large cages earmarked for a safe navigation channel in East Loch Tarbert threatens the sustainability of the local small creel fleet and blocks safe access to important shellfish grounds.
Other small scale businesses, like tourism and crafts, which support employment in the fragile community, are worried it will be a blot on the seascape and deter visitors with the consequence of affecting local livelihoods.
Angus Macmillan of West Minch Salmon and its takeover firm the Scottish Salmon Company failed to consult with islanders over the plans. The growing controversy over the development forced a hasty agreement to meet with the Harris Sustainable Business Group (HSBG) which has formed as a result of the threat it believes it brings.
Mr Macmillan angered locals with his plans to ram up an unused planning permission
from 14 cages to 20 plus an automated feed barge. The site is amongst a cluster of
small islands in the stunning scenic location off Procrapool -
A luminous glow from a mass of underwater lights would emit from the site 24-
The meeting was held at 9pm last night in the Harris Hotel. Despite the late hour, many fishermen with other concerned islanders attended and pressed their concerns on Angus Macmillan and Stewart McLelland, Chief Operating Officer at The Scottish Salmon Company.
Islanders previously pointed out that they have supported appropriately sized fish farms but the expansion into siting larger farms close to shore impacts on local people’s livelihoods.
As part of a sellout deal, Mr Macmillan wants to expand a number of legacy fish farm sites or planning permissions which would be eventually operated by The Scottish Salmon Company.
Fishermen lay creels for lobster and crab in the area
Salmon bosses concede to meet locals over controversial fish farm 4/7/11