SCOTTISH Greens have branded Scotland’s decision to give its stamp of approval to an “industrial salmon farm” on Loch Long as a “devastating day for local nature and a betrayal of local people.”

Proposals for the farm close to the town of Arrochar were rejected back in 2022 by the Loch Lomond and Trossach National Park Authority only to be appealed by developers Loch Long Salmon, and the Scottish government intervened to “call in” the proposal for a decision by ministers.

The plans faced widespread opposition from both local residents and environmental groups, gaining more than 4,700 signatures against proposals they say could have devastating effects on the loch’s seals, otters, seabirds and endanger a fragile population of endangered Atlantic salmon.

Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess said: “It is a devastating day for local nature and a betrayal of local people.

“The National Park and the planning reporter both looked at the facts and listened to the community before rejecting these controversial plans.

“The government should have done the same. This will mean more upheaval that will risk the area’s renowned natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

“We saw the same cavalier approach taken in their decision to back the widely opposed Flamingo Land development. What does the SNP have against our natural environment?

“Loch Long is a special place. This development will damage the landscape, disturb wildlife, and change the character of the area forever.

“At present there is no salmon farming on Loch Long, and we should keep it that way.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Scottish ministers have granted planning permission for a new semi-closed system fish farm in Loch Long in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority.”