Plans for a Lochaber shellfish farm – which have attracted more than 40 objections – have been narrowly refused by Highland councillors.
Drumnadrochit-based Measan Na Mara – Gaelic for fruits of the sea – was seeking planning consent to increase the size of its oyster farm in Loch Moidart at Acharacle.
The company has applied for permission to site 21,420 trestles, each measuring about 10ft by 3ft by 18in, in the loch.
However councillors at the south planning applications committee were told today that the plans had been reduced since they visited the site earlier this month.
But Councillor Andrew Baxter proposed refusal because of the visual impact.
He was supported by ward colleague Thomas MacLennan, who raised concerns about the impact on marine tourism.
William McDermott, of Measan Na Mara, has operated his existing oyster farm as a one-man business for 17 years, producing about 20 tonnes of the delicacy each year.
He attended the meeting to hear the decision.
He said later that he would appeal the refusal decision.
