Scottish Government Approves Loch Long Salmon’s Planning Appeal, Bringing Investment and Job Opportunities to Rural Communities
On Wednesday 27 August, 2025, the Scottish Government announced their decision in favor of Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal. This decision was met with enthusiasm by the Chairman of The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, a long established independent conservation charity.
According to the Chairman, this is a victory for common sense. The approval of the appeal will not only bring much needed investment and job opportunities to fragile rural communities around Loch Long, but it will also serve as an example for other businesses to invest in Scottish aquaculture. The company’s innovative semi-closed containment system prioritizes fish husbandry standards, the health of the local natural environment, and the local community.
Loch Long Salmon is one of many local businesses that sponsor the charity’s “Keep the Banks Bonnie” scheme. Through this scheme, layby litter bins are provided along the popular A82 Loch Lomond corridor to help manage the litter problem. This is a prime example of how businesses can play a role in delivering positive conservation outcomes.
The National Park’s initial refusal of the planning appeal highlights their lack of consideration for the financial costs associated with conserving natural capital. The Chairman emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with businesses to ensure the long-term success of protecting natural resources.
The Minister is expected to make a decision soon on Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks application, which has also been subject to ill-informed and emotive hype, led by the Green Party’s Ross Greer. The Chairman states that while there are many serious environmental issues that the party should be highlighting, these two proposals were not among them. He praises both companies for their commitment to excellent conservation outcomes with minimal environmental cost. He hopes that the Minister will recognize this and that in the future, the National Park will apply their own policies on partnership.