Islanders dig into Tiree beach ‘theft’
Tiree Community Council has responded to Argyll Estates’ claims that “industrial quantities” of the island’s beaches are being “stolen” for commercial purposes, saying more research and guidance is needed.
In a letter presented to Tiree Community Council (TCC) at its meeting on Wednesday February 8, factor of Argyll Estates, Hugh Nicol, said: “I have had credible reports of substantial sand and gravel extraction on Tiree shores and beaches. I request a statement on the position of Tiree Community Development Trust and Tiree Community Council in finding a solution to protect Tiree from this existential threat.”
In its minutes, Tiree Community Council agreed to the following statement: “TCC is very clear in recognising the value of crofting and farming to the island’s economy, culture and population. TCC is also clear local sand and gravel currently play a key role in making this industry more economically viable here, and in improving the welfare of livestock.
“We also recognise it is obviously in the long-term interests of our community, including crofters and farmers, for such extraction to be sustainable, and avoid potentially contributing to future damage of homes, businesses and roads. “TCC shares the concerns of many of our constituents about the erosion of parts of the island’s coastline. The extent to which sand and gravel extraction is a significant factor in this is currently unclear, and we would strongly urge the responsible authorities to do more research into the matter and provide useful guidance. “Serious allegations have been made about excessive sand and gravel extraction from beaches that go beyond reasonable crofting purposes.
“TCC would encourage Argyll Estates to work constructively with the crofting community to provide more clarity on what constitutes acceptable and sustainable use, and guidance on locations where long-term impact on coastal erosion would be minimal, or entirely balanced by natural replacement. If we can be of assistance in helping to disseminate such information, we would be glad to do so.”