Fish farm which was a blot on Loch Ness relocated to permitted location after owner, Mowi, served with enforcement notice by Highland Council
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The owners of a fish farm described as a blot on the world-famous view of Loch Ness have moved it after being ordered to do so by council officials.
The relocation of the fish farm last summer from its previous site to an unauthorised location sparked fury among residents and community leaders in Dores who said it spoilt the view.
It also prompted an enforcement notice five months ago from Highland Council which said it breached planning permission.
Its owner Mowi has now moved the facility – which includes cages used for smolts, or young salmon – back to its original location.
It had been sited there for 30 years, but was moved 220m last summer to make way for the construction of the £550 million Red John pumped storage hydro scheme which was given the green light by the Scottish Government.
John Martin, of Dores and Essich Community Council, said there had been much anger in the community and welcomed the latest relocation of the fish farm.
“It should not have happened in the first place,” he said. “It should not have taken an enforcement notice to correct it.”
In issuing the notice to take effect in September, council officers gave Mowi until January 31 to comply.
The notice stated: “The unauthorised location of surface equipment has greater visual impact upon the Loch Ness and Duntelchaig special landscape area than that approved by planning permission.”
A Mowi spokesman said: “After continued consultation with local stakeholders, Mowi has moved its fish farm back to its original permitted location where salmon have been raised for 30 years.
“While originally relocated to allow for improvements to a green energy project, our company will stand by and allow for the energy proponent to engage further with Dores [and Essich Community] Council.”
The Red John hydro scheme was approved by ministers following a public local inquiry after Highland Council objected to the plans by developer ILI Group, citing the visual impact during construction phase.
The community council also objected, voicing concerns about disruption.
Read more: Anger over Loch Ness fish farm
