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.