Controversial fish farm planning bid is dropped 7/11/11
A salmon firm has scrapped plans to develop a controversial large scale fish farm in a scenic area of the Western Isles following a campaign by the local community.
Even Scottish Environment minister Stewart Stevenson was caught up in the row when he met with The Scottish Salmon Company bosses on an industry tour of the islands but declined to discuss concerns with fishermen and villagers.
Locals slammed Angus Macmillan of West Minch Salmon and its new owner, the Scottish Salmon Company, for failing to properly consult with islanders before lodging the plans.
As part of a sellout deal, Mr Macmillan sought to expand a number of legacy fish farm sites on behalf of The Scottish Salmon Company.
Locals were furious over the attempt to ram up unused planning permission from 14 to 20 cages plus an automated feed barge in the stunning location off Plocropol where fishermen lay creels for lobster and velvet crabs.
They warned siting the fish farm in a safe navigation channel off the coast of Harris in East Loch Tarbert would endanger access to important fishing grounds and risks putting the local shellfish fleet out of business.
Other small scale enterprises in the fragile community, like tourism and crafts, maintained it would be a blot on the unspoilt scenery, deter visitors and affect existing jobs.
A constant luminous glow would emit from underwater between January and summer -
The Scottish Salmon Company withdrew its contentious planning bid today (Mon) .
It also faces objections in its attempt to anchor a large feed barge on the same site as it installs a fewer number of cages under the earlier planning consent.
The Scottish Salmon Company is expected to comment tomorrow.