Scottish Government backs Loch Long Salmon in planning appeal
Conservation charity welcomes approval as a boost for rural investment and aquaculture
The Scottish Government has approved Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal, overturning the earlier refusal by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
The decision was welcomed by the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, an independent conservation charity, which described the outcome as an opportunity to bring investment and jobs to communities around Loch Long while advancing aquaculture standards.
John Urquhart, chairman of the charity, said the approval supports a business model that balances fish farming with environmental protection through a semi-closed containment system. He added that the company has been involved in local initiatives, including the “Keep the Banks Bonnie” scheme, which provides litter bins along the A82 Loch Lomond corridor.
Mr Urquhart criticised the National Park Authority for its initial refusal, arguing that sustainable conservation requires financial support and collaboration with businesses that depend on the region’s natural resources.
Attention now turns to the Scottish Government’s forthcoming decision on Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks development. Mr Urquhart said both that proposal and Loch Long Salmon’s project have been subject to what he called emotive opposition campaigns, including by Green MSP Ross Greer. He maintained that the projects could deliver environmental benefits while supporting the local economy.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that James Fraser was Chairman of the charity