Isle of Eigg community opposes fish farm plans

The community on the Isle of Eigg is campaigning against a planned fish farm to be sited off the coast of the island. The Eigg Heritage Trust has issued the following statement, “Eigg is owned and managed (including the foreshore) by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, a community led organisation whose aims include taking all appropriate measures to conserve the natural heritage of the island for the benefit of the community & the wider general public.”

“To this end Eigg is building a reputation as a green island working towards sustainability. Visitors come to the island to learn from our experience and to enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of the island and the peace and quiet. Most of the islands electricity is generated by renewable technology and the sound of diesel generators is but a distant memory.”

“The propoosed fish farm site covers an area extending to 20ha (this equates to 28 football pitches) & would consist of 14 x 30m diameter cages which would be serviced by a 10m x 10m permanently sited barge (powered by diesel generator).”

“The community has considered this proposal at length. The outcome of the resulting ballot which had an 86% turnout was 97% against the development.”

“Eigg lies within the Small Isles National Scenic Area. A large fish farm would have a considerable negative impact on the approach to the island and could also impact negatively on the peace and quiet that visitors seek when they come to the island, as well as on the quality of life of nearby residents.”

For more details about the campaign see the link on the Eigg Heritage Trust website. For details of walks on the Isle of Eigg see Walkhighlands.