Plocropol

The Isle of Harris is a key area for our operations and we have operated sites in East Loch Tarbert for over eight years. We are focused on responsible development to meet the demand for quality Scottish Salmon and are committed to the environmental, cultural and economic growth and sustainability of rural Scotland.

We are looking to develop our Plocropol site, through the replacement and upgrading of pen equipment, ensuring a high standard of environmental sustainability is maintained.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has provided a Scoping Opinion on these proposals, advising that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required to be undertaken. During the process of seeking planning permission for these proposals, in normal circumstances, we would hold a public consultation event in the local area to allow people to learn more about our proposals and ask questions. However, due to restrictions on public gatherings associated with the Covid-19 outbreak, this is no longer possible. 

We would still like to hear your views and questions on the proposals and the information that would normally be available at a public consultation event is available here. If you would like to comment or request further information, please feel free to leave feedback via the survey form, or contact us via the contact form.

Please note that feedback received via the forms on this website will only be directed to The Scottish Salmon Company. An opportunity to submit representations on this proposal will be available once a formal application has been submitted to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

SSC in the Outer Hebrides

• Over 300 staff employed across 26 sites in Outer Hebrides, including freshwater and marine production, harvest operations, processing facility and administration functions.
• 19 staff are currently employed on SSC East Loch Tarbert sites (Plocropol, Reibinish and Scadabay)
• We commit to sourcing locally wherever possible - £7.1m spent annually with 147 local suppliers in the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar area
• Main sponsor of Western Isles Island Games Association (WIIGA)
• Community Fund donations in 2019 have supported the following local groups: Feis Mara Na Hearadh (Isle of Harris Festival of the Sea), South Harris Agricultural Show, Isle of Harris Brownies, The Scaladale Centre
• Community Fund donations in 2018: Boys of Harris Charitable Trust, Girlguiding Harris

Site Overview
The existing Plocropol site is located on the southern shore of East Loch Tarbert, Isle of Harris, and has been operated by SSC for over eight years. As part of an ongoing programme of site improvements and optimisation, it is proposed to replace and upgrade equipment at the existing Plocropol site. Details of the proposal are:

• One group of 10 pens of 120-metre circumference, arranged in two rows of five, with a linked feed barge. The site will be located in the same area within East Loch Tarbert
• The replacement pens will also 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
• Environmental impacts will be assessed, mitigated and monitored

Application

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) has advised that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required for these proposals. Supporting information has been requested with the final planning application, which includes:

• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
• Information on measures to minimise potential interaction with wild fisheries
• Information on measures to minimise potential interaction with the Inner Hebrides and Minches Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Timeline

• February 2020: Screening and Scoping request submitted to Council
• June 2020: Screening and Scoping opinion received
• August 2020: Launch of project webspace and public consultation
• September 2020 (proposed): Submission of planning application
• Early 2021 (proposed): Determination of planning application 

If you would like to share any thoughts or questions you may have about the project, please use the feedback form or contact us for more information.

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