WESTERN ISLES FISH FARM REJECTED BY COUNCIL

Western Isles fish farm rejected by Council. Western Isles councillors have rejected a planning application for a proposed fish farm off the east coast of Lewis.

The Isle of Lewis is a key area for Bakkafrost operations. They have operated there for a number of years employing a significant number of residents, aiming to become the leading sustainable producer of salmon in Scotland.

Bakkafrost were looking to install the new farm off the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, comprising pens, moorings and a feed barge.

Western Isles councillors concluded that the developer, Bakkafrost Scotland Ltd, had not demonstrated that the project would avoid causing an unacceptable loss of commercial fishing activity in an area long recognised as both historically significant and economically productive.

Their decision overturns a recommendation from council planners, who had advised approval of the development subject to conditions.

The Western Isles Fishermen’s Association (WIFA) objected to the proposal, arguing that the North Gravir Fish Farm would lead to: “the biggest ever loss to the Scottish fishing industry of prolific commercial fishing grounds that have been harvested sustainably for generations”.

In its objection, WIFA stressed that the site has consistently yielded substantial catches of prawns, scallops and brown crab, all of which are landed locally. This activity, they noted, supports long-term employment both at sea and at the Macduff Shellfish factory on Goat Island, built at a cost of £3 million.

WIFA also pointed out that the area offers essential shelter for vessels during strong winds from the south-west to the north, allowing boats to operate safely and haul their gear.

In light of these concerns, the council’s planning applications board decided to refuse Bakkafrost’s plans.

Image: Isle of Lewis, Pixabay