The Scottish Government has made a decision to rule in favor of Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal.

Scottish Government Approves Loch Long Salmon’s Planning Appeal, Bringing Investment and Job Opportunities to Fragile Rural Communities

Wednesday 27 August, 2025 – The Scottish Government has made a decision in favor of Loch Long Salmon’s planning appeal, much to the delight of conservation groups and local businesses. The Chairman of the long established independent conservation charity, The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, welcomed the decision stating, “This is indeed a victory for common sense.”

The appeal was made by the innovative company, Loch Long Salmon, whose semi closed containment system prioritizes fish husbandry standards, the health of the local natural environment, and the local community. This decision is expected to bring much needed investment and job opportunities to fragile rural communities around Loch Long, while also encouraging other companies to invest in Scottish aquaculture.

Loch Long Salmon is one of many local businesses that sponsor the “Keep the Banks Bonnie” scheme, which aims to manage the litter problem along the popular A82 Loch Lomond corridor. This partnership between businesses and conservation groups is a prime example of how businesses can contribute to positive conservation outcomes.

The National Park’s initial refusal to approve the planning appeal was met with criticism from the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. The Chairman stated that the planners seemed to be “blind to the message that conservation of natural capital costs money” and emphasized the importance of working in partnership with businesses to ensure the long-term success of natural capital.

The decision on Flamingoland’s Lomond Banks application is expected to be made by the Minister soon. This proposal also faced much opposition, led by the Green Party’s Ross Greer. The Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Chairman expressed disappointment in the “ill-informed and emotive hype” surrounding the proposal and urged the Minister to consider the excellent conservation outcomes and minimum environmental cost offered by both proposals.

In conclusion, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs hope that the Minister will make a decision in line with their own stated policies on partnership and conservation. They also hope that in the future, the National Park will prioritize working in partnership with businesses to achieve positive conservation outcomes. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.