Sarah burguin, Author at Loch Long Salmon

Developer laments year of Scottish Government inaction on planning determination

Posted on 17/02/202517/02/2025 by Sarah burguin

Scotland’s first closed-pen salmon farm could deliver £40 million investment to Scotland’s aquaculture sector

17 February 2025 – Loch Long Salmon is calling out the Scottish Government for its delay in determining a once in a generation opportunity to bring closed-pen salmon farming to Scotland.

A year has passed since the Scottish Government Planning and Environmental Appeals Division submitted findings to Scottish Ministers on Loch Long Salmon’s proposal for Scotland’s first closed-pen salmon farm in Loch Long, Argyll & Bute.

Representing up to £40m of investment to the rural economy, the Beinn Reithe appeal was called in by the Scottish Government for determination in 2022. The DPEA reporter submitted their findings to Scottish ministers in February 2024. Combined, the total determination time by both local and Scottish Government at the various stages of determination for this single project now stands at 3 and a half years, and counting.

Mark Shotter, Project Manager at Loch Long Salmon, said: “The lack of progress is disheartening. Delays to projects like ours risks undermining Scotland’s ability to attract international trade and investment and discourage further innovation.

Furthermore, the inaction demonstrated by the Scottish Government is at complete odds to the urgency of which we must rebuild our economy and tackle the climate and nature crisis. The Scottish Government must act decisively—inaction is not an option.”

Closed-pen technology, already widely used in countries including Canada, Norway and the Faroe Islands, was approved for implementation in Scotland by SEPA in December 2021- now over three years ago. The technology is already transforming the aquaculture industry in those countries by improving the welfare of salmon whilst creating economic opportunities and greener outputs. Representing a groundbreaking opportunity for Scotland to lead in sustainable aquaculture, the technology aligns with Scotland’s goals for environmental stewardship, economic growth and rural development.

The project will also directly benefit the communities around Arrochar through the creation of 12 full-time jobs once the site is in operation. Loch Long Salmon will also establish a dedicated community benefit fund, contributing £100,000 of funding every year for a minimum of 20 years. Community representatives will decide how to use these funds to best enhance the local area.

Ronnie Ross, Chair of the Arrochar, Tarbet, and Ardlui Community Council, said: “As a small community, this level of investment will have a transformative impact and will put us firmly on the map. “This project has strong community support because of the jobs, investment, and community fund it promises to deliver.”

Jane MacDonald, CEO of Argyll & Bute Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Argyll and Bute’s reputation as a destination for investment relies on clear and timely decision-making. While sustainable farming is important to the region, this delay sends a concerning message to investors. We cannot afford to let bureaucracy stand in the way of innovative, sustainable growth in our community.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Loch Long Salmon by BIG Partnership.

For more information, please contact Hannah Fisher at Hannah.fisher@bigpartnership.co.uk or on 07972 111 484.

Loch Long Salmon at the West Coast Blue Economy Conference

Posted on 09/08/2024 by Sarah burguin

Our Project Director, Mark Shotter, recently spoke at the West Coast Blue Economy Conference in June. Held at the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences in Oban and hosted by Maroon Investments, the conference focused on pivotal topics such as marine biotechnology, ocean regeneration, and community wealth-building.

During his presentation, Mark shared Loch Long Salmon’s groundbreaking plans to introduce Sustainable Closed Containment (SCC) technology to Scotland for the first time. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in sustainable aquaculture, aiming to enhance fish welfare, reduce environmental impact, and support local economies.

At Loch Long Salmon, we are dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices in aquaculture. By bringing SCC technology to Scotland, we aim to lead the way in environmental stewardship and contribute to the prosperity of our local communities. Mark’s participation in the conference underscores our commitment to these goals and our enthusiasm for collaborating with industry leaders and stakeholders.

Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and developments as we work towards a sustainable future for aquaculture in Scotland. For further information and to get involved, please visit our website.

Together, we can make a positive impact on our marine environment and local communities. Thank you for your continued support.

Keeping the Bonnie Banks Beautiful: Loch Long Salmon’s commitment

Posted on 09/08/2024 by Sarah burguin

At Loch Long Salmon, we believe in the pristine beauty of our environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations. That’s why we’re proud to be a key sponsor of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs’ Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme. We are committed to working with local people on their priorities in the face of cuts to important services.

The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have faced significant funding challenges this year, resulting in the unfortunate discontinuation of several vital programs.

Despite these setbacks, the Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme will continue, thanks to a generous one-off grant from the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust and the unwavering support of the local business community, including Loch Long Salmon. We are dedicated to ensuring the success of this initiative, which is essential for managing litter and maintaining the beauty of the loch.

John Urquhart, chair of the Friends, expressed gratitude to all supporters, highlighting the exceptional contribution from local businesses. “Tourism businesses have been struggling of late, so it is a sign of the importance they attach to this issue that, even when times are hard, they are willing to dip into company finances to the extent they do,” he said.

Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director of Loch Long Salmon, emphasised our commitment: “Loch Long Salmon is very pleased to support community initiatives such as this campaign from the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. We look forward to working with both the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Arrochar community in the future.”

The long-term sustainability of the Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme remains a pressing issue. We at Loch Long Salmon are committed to continuing our support and collaborating with other stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

Together, we can ensure that Loch Lomond remains a clean, beautiful, and welcoming destination for all. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this vital cause.

For more information on how you can help, please visit the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs website or contact us at Loch Long Salmon. Let’s keep the bonnie banks beautiful!

Stewart Hawthorn Runs 2024 Boston Marathon, Raising Over £4,500 for the Gaelic Books Council

Posted on 09/08/2024 by Sarah burguin

We are thrilled to share that Stewart Hawthorn, Managing Director of Loch Long Salmon, successfully completed the 2024 Boston Marathon in April, raising an impressive £5,001 for the Gaelic Books Council.

At 57, Stewart embarked on this marathon journey driven by his commitment to supporting Scotland’s Gaelic language and culture. His inspiration comes from his wife, Kerry, who founded a weekly gathering for Gaelic speakers and learners in Stirling. Having seen the remarkable revitalisation of Te Reo Māori in New Zealand during his global fish farming career, Stewart believes Scottish Gaelic can achieve similar success.

Stewart said: “I am immensely proud to have raised over £5,000 for the Gaelic Books Council, an organisation that plays a crucial role in preserving Scotland’s rich Gaelic heritage through literature.

The Gaelic language is not just a part of our past; it’s a living, breathing aspect of our cultural identity that deserves to be cherished and nurtured. Through initiatives like this, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that Gaelic continues to thrive for generations to come. I hope my effort will inspire others to raise funds for this important cultural cause.”

Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council, expressed her gratitude: “This is an amazing achievement, and we are delighted that Stewart was able to complete the race in such a fast time. The money he has raised will make a huge difference to Comhairle nan Leabhraichean. With a tight budget this year, every extra pound we can raise will go towards commissioning new books, supporting writers and publishers, and bringing Gaelic literature events to readers of all ages. Congratulations, Stewart, and our sincere thanks to you and to all the people who have sponsored you for such generosity.”

At Loch Long Salmon, we are incredibly proud of Stewart’s dedication and achievement. His efforts not only support the Gaelic Books Council but also shine a light on the importance of preserving and promoting Gaelic culture. We hope Stewart’s inspiring journey will encourage others to contribute to this vital cause.

For more information on how you can support the Gaelic Books Council, please visit their website.