Isle of Skye Salmon Farm Proposal Blocked Following Formal Objection by Friends of Faeries

A controversial proposal to build an Organic Sea Harvest salmon farm at Flodigarry on Scotland's Isle of Skye was blocked this month, following numerous concerns brought by local fishing groups and one formal objection submitted by the "Friends of the Eilean Fhlòdaigearraidh Faeries."

The objection, submitted last fall “on behalf of the Flodigarry Faeries,” expressed concern for the effect such a farm could have on the Asrai—aquatic faeries said to dwell in the region. According to legend, the faeries melt in sunlight, and the group is concerned that the steel cages used on fishing farms could prove deadly to the Asrai.

“Asrai 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. It is proven that the steel of the fish farm cages draws many Asrai to the surface, with only one result: They melt," read the objection.

Furthermore, the objection stated, seals living on the island may actually be Roane—shapeshifting faeries who take the form of seals—and they could be in danger of being shot by the salmon farmers. Gnomes and Boobries—another type of shapeshifting faerie that takes the form of a bird—were also specifically mentioned as being in danger.

Those working at the fish farm could themselves be in danger, too, said the faeries' friends. The faeries "will attempt to lure [them] with promises of gold and jewels into the deepest part of the ocean to drown or simply to trick [them]," and the Blue Men of the Minch—also known as storm kelpies—could cause dangerously adverse weather conditions.

“They have told they will protect their gentler Flodigarry neighbours against any fish farm as they were there already in the beginning of time and they have always done so," the friends said. "The Blue Men of the Minch have predicted that there could be some severe stormy weather in the future but declined to explain further at this stage.”

The friends’ final objections were in opposition to the obstruction of two underwater faerie paths, and the fact that the faeries were not consulted prior to the farm’s proposal.

The Highland Council did not reportedly take the friends of faeries' objections seriously.

"The faeries are not mentioned in the motion. Not mentioned as part of the debate. Not listed as an objector or mentioned in the report," said one council source.

The objections lodged by the Scottish Fishermen Federation, Scottish White Fish Producers Association, and the Mallaig and North West Fishermen's Association were given more weight by the council. Those objections included worries for the safety of local fishermen and concerns about the chemicals used in the salmon farming industry.

"Fishermen lose more and more grounds to fish farms. Fishermen can no longer fish these areas, which leads to more dangerous situations as they cannot take shelter in these safe spots anymore," according to the fishing groups. "Smaller vessels are often family-businesses. Being forced out of another area will cause loss of income and possibly fishermen going out of business."

Councillors on the Highland Council refused the controversial salmon farming proposals following a six-hour debate.

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