Controversial wrasse hatchery set for second exhibition

ANOTHER round of public exhibitions for the proposed wrasse facility at Lossit Point is set to give residents a chance to further grill Marine Harvest.

Following a similar event at the start of the year, the dropin sessions will allow people to see details of the plans and speak to the Marine Harvest team planning the new facility.

The exhibitions will take place on Tuesday May 31, from 11am to 2pm at the Ugadale Hotel, Machrihanish, and then from 3.30pm to 8pm in Campbeltown Town Hall.

Included in the exhibition will be clarification of the reasons for choosing the proposed site for the £6million plant, which has recently been causing much discussion in Kintyre.

Marine Harvest’s Paul Featherstone said: ‘We are aware there has been a lot of discussion and debate locally about the site, some of it based on misunderstanding. We thought it would be sensible to rerun the exhibition and explain the challenges of finding an appropriate site which meets all the criteria required for this unique facility.

‘We hope it will provide an opportunity for people to tell us about their concerns and we also hope to reassure them about the project and its impact.’

The existing facility at Machrihanish was part of a trial project run by the University of Stirling in partnership with the fishing industry.

Paul added: ‘One of our main reasons for choosing the site at Machrihanish was because of the knowledge and experience of our staff here.

‘Eight people already work at the facility and their skills would be invaluable in establishing the new facility. It is unlikely they would all be prepared to move if we chose a site elsewhere.’