THE fate of a proposed fish farm on Gigha is set to be decided at a public hearing – taking place nearly 40 miles away.

Councillors unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing, as recommended by an Argyll and Bute Council officer, for Bakkafrost Scotland’s proposal for a site to the west of the island.

However, authority officials were unable to identify a suitable facility on Gigha which would allow for in-person and remote access to the hearing.

It has been decided that the public meeting will instead take place at the council’s Kilmory headquarters in Lochgilphead, although remote access will be possible.

The decision was made at a meeting of the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, September 18. Officers have also recommended that planning permission is granted along with the holding of the hearing.

Councillor Kieron Green (Independent, Oban North and Lorn), the committee’s chair, said: “I have indicated to officers that it may be preferable to hold the meeting on Gigha itself.

“But I think there has been some investigation on whether that would be possible, and it would take place at Kilmory instead, because they could not guarantee hybrid access.”

Clerk Stuart McLean said: “We had our crystal ball out and undertook some exploratory work on suitable facilities on the island.

“We could not identify something that was appropriate, so we would strongly suggest that the hearing is held at Kilmory on a hybrid basis to ensure the maximum participation.”

Councillor Jan Brown (SNP, Mid Argyll) then said: “I would be more than up for a site visit. I have my walking boots and poles available and would appreciate it.”

Councillor John Armour (SNP, South Kintyre) said: “If we could have drone footage, or good quality photo evidence from the site looking towards it, that would be sufficient.

“With the cost of getting everybody there, I am not sure there is a huge benefit in everybody being there.

“This is out in the open and it is fairly straightforward what we would be looking at. I would be in favour of photo or drone evidence.”

Councillor Brown responded: “I hear what my colleagues have said. I am minded that we did a site visit to a fish farm off the coast of Kintyre and how beneficial we found it. I don’t think you can beat a site visit.”

Councillor Green said: “I am minded for there to be a site visit for members who intend to see the location for themselves, and I intend to be part of that.”

He, Councillor Brown, Councillor Gordon Blair (SNP, Cowal) and Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) indicated that they would take part in a site visit.

However, it was confirmed that not taking part in the site visit would not stop councillors from taking part in the hearing, which was unanimously agreed to take place.

A date for the hearing will be set by the council in due course.