STIFF’s last stand at Bute public local inquiry into Inchmarnock Fish Farm proposal

The Stop The Inchmarnock Fish Farm (STIFF) campaign will make its last stand at the public local inquiry next week into the proposal for a 16-cage fish farm off Inchmarcnock island on Bute’s west coast.

Local Councillors on the area committee refused approval for the plan. Offshore Farm Developments (OFD) appealed against the decision and its appeal will begin on Tuesday 24th February in Rothesay’s Victoria Hotel. It is likely to last for four days, working from 10.00am each day until 5.00pm with a one-hour break for lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Michael Culshaw QC has been appointed as Reporter for the Inquiry by the Scottish Government. When the public hearing is over,he will deliberate on the evidence offered and announce his decision a month or so after the end of the inquiry.

STIFF’s opposition is certainly just that. The campaign body has been charged with representing to the hearing the objections of a range of affiliated organisations including:

• Bute Community Council
• Argyll District Salmon Fisheries Board
• Clyde Fishermen’s Association
• Dunoon and District Angling Club
• Isle of Bute Angling Club
• Eachaig District Salmon Fishery Board
• Otterferry Ltd
• Lighthouse Caledonia Ltd
• Loch Fyne River Improvements Association
• Ruel River Improvements Association
• British Marine Federation Scotland
• Sail Clyde
• Scottish Boating Alliances
• Isle of Bute Artists Collective
• Bute Marketing and Tourism Ltd

This has been a determined and imaginative campaign of opposition from the outset. The inquiry hearings and the decision will both be interesting. Members of the public are welcome to attend and, even if you have no particular interest, it could be a good spectator sport.