Call to protect nesting sites at old oil depot

“We want to make sure that Argyll and Bute planning officials are aware of the gull colony and restrictions under law during the nesting season.”

When the Advertiser contacted the council about the threat to the breeding colony, a spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received an objection to the proposals, highlighting the presence of nesting birds, including Common Gulls at the development site. As the planning authority, we will take this into consideration when assessing the application.”

Although the objection focuses on fears for the nesting season during the clean-up, the objectors have also highlighted their concern that the development itself would push the vulnerable species away long-term from their Ardrishaig base.

“I understand that the owner of the site, Scottish Canals, was always looking to develop this area,” Jim added. “As such the future of the nesting Common Gulls, Oystercatchers and Black Guillemots were always going to lose out.

“The simple request from conservationists is just to get the message out to the planners and developers that investigative work to assess the level of past oil spillage pollution and future building works be undertaken after a breeding season.

“Obviously, once developments starts then birds arriving in spring to nest there would be displaced and need to look elsewhere - although their urge to use the site would remain strong and as evidenced when the museum was being built when birds started nesting on partially built roofs.”

When the issue of potential harm to the red-listed species was raised with Scottish Canals, a spokesperson for the landowner told the Advertiser: “Scottish Canals places great importance on complying with legislation and environmental requirements that affect our land. We have made the proposed developer aware of the presence of the gull colony in order that they can assess their development proposals accordingly.

“We anticipate the formal planning process will seek to consider any potential impact the proposed development could have on biodiversity and protected species in the area. The plans for the site are currently under consideration with Argyll and Bute Council.”

Jim was keen to stress that he and his fellow environmentalists are not against development which would be beneficial for the local community: “We are not opposed to a successful development of the site if it is for the good of Ardrishaig and provides jobs and don’t necessarily oppose this, but careful considerations about the protected species are needed.”

Jim also wanted to clear up a frequent misconception about the red-listed birds.

“Common Gulls are smaller and not to be confused with Herring Gulls that usually get a bad press for harassing people (stealing their chips and ice creams etc). They are much more placid in that respect.”