Skye fish farms refused planning permission

Image source, Getty Images

Revised plans for fish farms on Skye's north-east coast have been refused planning permission - four years after the original proposals failed to secure consent.

Organic Sea Harvest had sought approval from Highland Council to build 10 salmon cages near Flodigarry and another 10 at Balmaqueen.

The previous proposals for 12 cages at each site were refused permission by councillors following a vote, and later by a Scottish government-appointed official after the company appealed.

Highland Council planning officials had recommended approval of the new plans, but councillors voted to refuse permission.

Organic Sea Harvest, which already runs two farms, said it had worked with the Scottish government, regulators and Highland Council to produce its new proposals.

It said it cared about local communities and the new farms would help its workforce and business to thrive.

The company has not commented on the latest planning decision at this stage.