By Bill Heaney
The Friends of Loch Lomond have come out today with an astonishing statement in support of the controversial salmon farm at Loch Long, near Arrochar.
However, Sam Paton, of the Save Loch Lomond campaign against Flamingland at Balloch, has hit back swiftly: “I am shocked but not surprised by this statement.
“Fish farms cause so many problems to marine life and habitats. I am speechless.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie, left, said: “I am disappointed with the Scottish Government’s decision to grant planning permission for this site.
“Loch Lomond and Trossachs became Scotland’s first national park site for a reason and part of that aim was to preserve the unique landscape, ecology and natural environment of the area.
“The Scottish Government appears to be establishing a pattern of failing to put the concerns of local residents and their own organisations, such at the National Park, at the centre of decisions on planning matters.”
Welcoming the Scottish Government’s decision in favour of Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal, the Chairman, John UIrquhart, who lives in Helensburgh, of the long established independent conservation charity, The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, said:“This is indeed a victory for common sense. It will bring much needed investment and job opportunities to fragile rural communities around Loch Long as well as encouraging others to invest in Scottish aquaculture, no doubt following the lead set by this innovative company, whose semi closed containment system puts fish husbandry standards, the health of the local natural environment and the local community at the heart of its operation.
“Loch Long Salmon is one of many local businesses who sponsor our “Keep the Banks Bonnie” scheme, whose layby litter bins help manage the litter problem along the popular A82 Loch Lomond corridor, a fine example of how business can help deliver positive conservation outcomes.
“The National Park’s refusal was another example where their planners seem to have been blind to the message that conservation of natural capital costs money and one of the best ways to help deliver it is by working in partnership with the businesses which need that natural capital looked after for their long-term success.
“The Minister will soon deliver his decision on Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks application which also became the focus for much ill-informed and emotive hype, irresponsibly led by the Green Party’s Ross Greer, above right, who should know better.
“There are many serious environmental issues which that party should rightly be highlighting, but neither of these proposals was ever one of them.
“Both offer excellent conservation outcomes with minimum environmental cost.
“Let’s hope the Minister gets that and let’s hope that in future the National Park looks more towards applying its own stated policies on Partnership.”
Top of page: John Urquhart of the Friends of Loch Lomond.