Hatchery plans seem unchanged

Sir,

A year ago there was considerable local dismay at Marine Harvest’s (MH) draft plans to ride roughshod over the local development plan and site a gigantic fish hatchery on the Gauldrons.

Sadly, they have decided to ignore local sentiment and recently submitted their full planning application for the same.

The plans are unchanged. They are the same threadbare halftruths that say this is the only viable site in Argyll and that MACC, or any other place, is not suitable.

The same destruction of the Fessenden site, which Historic Environment Scotland has recorded as nationally significant.

The same denial of any environmental impact ‘given the lack of ecological features on the site, no ecology study has been performed’, despite the fact even a base search of environmental records shows more than 400 species here, which we all see every time we walk there.

The same denial that the unspoiled beauty of this entire bay from green sward to rocky bluffs will be ruined forever. But that’s okay because they will heap up some earth around it and make a path to let us by.

The same threat to pull out of the existing facility.

The same utter lack of understanding that this wild place has been used for recreation of visitors and locals for generations, which is why our elected members designated it ‘sensitive countryside’ following a large public consultation.

If MH succeed in the industrialisation of the Gauldrons, then no part of our coastline is safe.

MH wants the Gauldrons because it is convenient and saves it the cost of building in a socially responsible location.

If you want to stop this profit-driven destruction of the Gauldrons, email planning. hq@argyll-bute.gov. uk and let the decisionmakers know how precious this place is to our community and the wildlife we share it with.

Time is running out. Please help save the Gauldrons. Bob Miller, Sound of Kintyre.