Fish farm feed pipe washes up on Skye
Almost 150 metres of what is thought to be a fish-farm feed pipe has been found on a remote beach at Knock Bay, near Teangue, Skye.
Sleat Community Council secretary Rob Ware found the pipe while walking his dogs on Tuesday January 28.
He said: ‘This is not the first time aquaculture and fishing boat debris has washed up on Skye and, unfortunately, it won’t be the last. I originally contacted the coastguard about it but they were not able to remove it because of its location. I have a contact with Mowi who says the company will recover equipment like this for recycling, whether it is owned by them or not.’
The pipe was taken to a Mowi site in Loch Hourn for recycling the next day.
Mr Ware said the pipe could be a result of storm Brendan which swept across the UK earlier this month.
A Mowi spokesperson said: ‘We appreciate Mr Ware reaching out to our company directly to make us aware of litter on beaches after storm Brendan swept through. We were happy to provide assistance in cleanup efforts.
‘We take responsibility for any equipment belonging to us that has gone astray but even if it comes from afar, as much beach litter does, we all want to help ensure our beaches are kept clean.’
While Highland Council is responsible for cleaning up marine litter from designated bathing beaches, it does not extend to remote cases like this.
Sleat Community Council will be organising a beach clean when the weather improves.
Mr Ware continued: ‘Marine litter such as fuel cans and fishing line from boats frequently wash up on the island and we have to clean it up. Luckily, Highland Council is helpful in providing and picking up skips.’
Wanting to determine where this significant section of pipe came from, Mr Ware will be writing to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other relevant bodies.