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Morrison's Rock

Introduction

Both North Uist and Benbecula are central to our operations within the Outer Hebrides. We have operated across North Uist and Benbecula for a number of years employing a significant number of local residents. Bakkafrost Scotland aims to become the leading sustainable producer of salmon in Scotland.

We are looking to install a new farm off the northeast coast of the Isle of Benbecula, comprising pens, moorings and a feed barge.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) has provided both a Screening and Scoping Opinion on this proposal, advising that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required to be undertaken. During the process of seeking a SEPA Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) licence and planning permission for this proposal, we have held public consultation events in Balivanich, to allow the community to learn more about our proposal and ask questions.

We would like to hear your views and questions on the proposals and the information that has been presented at the public consultation events is available here. If you would like to comment or request further information, please contact us on communities@bakkafrost.com.

Please note that feedback received via the email address above will only be directed to Bakkafrost Scotland. An opportunity to submit formal representations on this proposal will be available once a formal planning application has been submitted to CnES.

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Site Overview

The proposal is to install a new fish farm, off the northeast shore of the Isle of Benbecula. Details of the proposal are below:

  • One group of 160 m circumference pens arranged in two rows lines of three (2 x 3);
  • The feed barge is proposed to be located at the northern end of the pen group;
  • The pens and feed barge will be painted dark grey or black in colour to blend in with the surrounding marine environment;
  • Innovative design will ensure robust fish health and welfare, and environmental sustainability; and
  • Environmental impacts will be assessed, mitigated and monitored.
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Application

CnES has advised that an EIA is required for this proposal. The EIA will focus on the following areas:

  • Landscape and Visual Impacts;
  • Nature Conservation (benthic habitats and species, wild salmonid populations, Inner Hebrides and the Minches SAC, and northern gannet SPAs)
  • Water Environment
  • Operational Measures
  • Economic Considerations;
  • Navigation, Anchorage, Commercial Fisheries and Other Non-Recreational Maritime Uses;
  • Waste Management; and
  • Harbour and Shorebase Use.
Bakkafrost

Timeline

April 2022: Pre-application discussions started with local stakeholders;

June 2022: Screening and Scoping Request submitted to CnES;

June 2022: Screening Opinion issued by CnES;

July 2022: SEPA public engagement event held at Balivanich Community Hall;

November 2022: Scoping Opinion issued by CnES;

July 2023 (proposed): Submission of planning application to CnES; and

December 2023 (proposed): Determination of planning application by CnES.

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Contact Us

If you would like to share any thoughts or questions about the project, please contact us at communities@bakkafrost.com