Fish farm campaigners win backing from MSP
AN ARGYLL MSP has claimed that he has never seen such a strong objection to a new fish farm as he has to a proposed development off the North Knapdale coast.
The proposed 12-cage salmon or rainbow trout farm would lie in the Sound of Jura at Dounie, south of Crinan, and create at least six new jobs in the area. But the proposal is being opposed by some, including newly set up campaign group Friends of the Sound of Jura.
MSP for Argyll and Bute Michael Russell told the Advertiser: ‘I am a long-term supporter of aquaculture and my concerns are about this particular application, not about fish farming in general.’
In his letter to Fergus Ewing, the cabinet secretary for rural economy and connectivity, Mr Russell commented: ‘I think it is fair to say I have never experienced the weight of objections to a fish farm proposal that I have seen in this proposal.’ He suggested that the application ‘will require very special and very careful consideration’.
In response to Mr Russell’s letter, Stuart Cannon, managing director of Kames Fish Farming Limited, said: ‘I accept that the public are concerned and fearful of what may happen and some will never agree to fish farms, in the same way as some oppose wind farms. However, the evidence from our fish farming in Kames Bay for 45 years is that there is very little negative impact on the environment.
‘While tourism is a critical and much valued part of our rural economy, diversity with other economic input is vital to strengthening it. There has to be a balance. The Scottish Government has a strong positive framework for the development of further aquaculture capacity in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive way, minimising any impact and risk to other users that enjoy our waters and the beauty of the wild space.
‘I would also like to reassure people that we will not be blocking the entrance to Salen Mor bay. Wild swimmers, kayakers and others will still be able to continue to enjoy their bathing, paddling and water activities.
‘We are very happy to hold further community meetings and open days to allow any member of the public to scrutinise the environmental statement and question us.’