The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Man says diary detailing condition of loch stolen
Exclusive: Ian Muir tells of expensive items ignored in break-in
Afisherman who claims a protected loch in Aberdeen has been polluted by AWPR construction says he has been robbed of his findings in a raid.
Ian Muir owns the fishing rights to Corby Loch, near Bridge of Don, and believes sediment from construction of the £750 million bypass has polluted the loch – one of only four legally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the city.
He previously said that
“I have been keeping that diary for years”
in August he discovered thousands of dead fish floating in the water around the 32-acre site, and has said no fish have been caught there since.
The Press and Journal reported matters in a front-page story on October 30, including details of his water samples and the diary of his findings.
But the story has taken a twist as Mr Muir said the caravan on the lochside, which he uses as a base, has been broken into.
He said the expensive fishing equipment and radios he uses were ignored and only his diary and a copy of the P&J with the front-page story were taken.
He said: “I have been keeping that diary detailing the pollution for years, but I came in on Monday to find it gone.
“They ignored my transistor radios and all the expensive fishing equipment, which means it must be connected to the story being in the press.
“I don’t know if they want to stop me speaking about it. We have reported it to the police.”
Last night a police spokeswoman confirmed a break-in had been reported and officers were making inquiries.
She said: “The incident appears to have taken place between 2.30pm on Sunday and 3pm on Monday. A quantity of stationery was stolen.”
Bridge of Don councillor John Reynolds said: “In an ordinary burglary they will steal high-value items to sell. It sounds like someone doesn’t want his information to become public.”
Corby Loch and neighbouring Lily Loch were designated SSSIs in October 1983.
Last night the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) confirmed its investigation into possible pollution is continuing.
James Smith, Sepa unit manager in Aberdeen, said: “Every day Sepa works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment.
“We have not received any further reports relating to fish mortalities since investigating the deaths of juvenile sticklebacks in August, which we were unable to ascribe to any specific cause.
“We are aware of concerns relating to increased quantities of silt arriving at Corby Loch, and are investigating in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage.
“We encourage anyone who has concerned about a potential pollution incident to contact our 24-hour pollution hotline on 0800 807 060 or online via www. sepa.org.uk/report. Getting information quickly allows us to begin investigations.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We have not received any complaints or contact from Sepa or SNH and see no reason why this story should be connected to the AWPR site.”