Fish farm plans are rejected after campaigners warned that fishermen could by lured to their deaths by FAIRIES if development went ahead
- Ancient folklore was cited as a reason for planners to turn down an application
- Objections to salmon farm also lodged by the Scottish Fishermen Federation
- A bizarre objection letter was sent to Highland Council planners by a group called Friends of the Eilean Fhlodaigearraidh Faeries
Plans for a fish farm were rejected after campaigners warned that fisherman could be lured to their deaths by fairies if the development went ahead.
Ancient folklore was cited as a reason for planners to turn down an application to build a 12-cage salmon farm at a magical site off the coast of the Isle of Skye.
Objections to the Organic Sea Harvest salmon farm were also lodged by the Scottish Fishermen Federation in conjunction with other industry lobby groups, and residents raised concerns about the impact on Skye’s £1.8 million tourist industry.
But a bizarre objection letter was sent to Highland Council planners by a group called Friends of the Eilean Fhlodaigearraidh Faeries, which signed the missive ‘on behalf of the Flodigarry Fairies’.
Picture of the fish farm off the North Coast of the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands
The letter raised concerns about the fate of the mystical ‘ashrai’ – a sea fairy similar to a mermaid – which it was claimed have lived off the coast of Skye for 1,000 years.
Once a century, the mystical creatures are said to be drawn to the surface of the water to bathe in moonlight.
But campaigners claim the sea sprites ‘fear for their lives’, and that the cages would draw the fairies to the surface of the sea, causing them to melt.
And a stark warning was issued that workers’ lives could be put at risk by the creatures, who could ‘lure them with promises of gold and jewels into the deepest part of the ocean’.
The letter said: ‘Ashrai live for hundreds of years and will come up to the surface of the water once each century to bathe in the moonlight which they use to help them grow.
A view of Fairy Glen in Isle of Skye, Scotland. The island has a long history and association with fairies
Objections to the Organic Sea Harvest salmon farm, pictured, were also lodged by the Scottish Fishermen Federation
‘It is proven that the steel of the fish farm cages draws many ashrai to the surface, with only one result: they melt.’
It warned that male fishermen would be in danger as the fairies ‘will attempt to lure him with promises of gold and jewels into the deepest part of the ocean to drown or simply to trick him’.
The eccentric letter also claimed seals living on the island are actually roanes – water elementals or mermen who take the form of seals.
Famous ‘magical misty’ Skye landmarks were also mentioned, including its Fairy Pools, Dunvegan Castle’s Fairy Flag and the Fairy Bridge.
And it was warned that water spirits – called the ‘Blue Men of the Minch’ – and water birds called ‘broobries’ may also be in danger.
The proposals were rejected after a six-hour meeting.
A joint objection from the Scottish Fishermen Federation, Scottish White Fish Producers Association and the Mallaig and North West Fishermen’s Association said the worry remains for the ‘safety’ of local fishermen.
Concerns were raised about chemicals used in the salmon farming industry.
Scottish National Heritage said that the farm would have an impact on the coast nearby but it was for the council to decide whether any environmental effect would impact on local policies.
A spokesman for Highland Council said: ‘They are not mentioned in the motion. Not mentioned as part of the debate. Not listed as an objector or mentioned in the report.’