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Fear of Fairies Leads to Rejection of Scottish Fish Farm



Scottish fishermen have rejected a proposal for a local fish farm because they’re afraid of being lured to their deaths by ocean fairies. Ancient Scottish folklore was cited as the reason planners turned down the application for a 12-cage salmon farm off the coast of the Isle of Skye after the Highland Council received an objection letter signed “on behalf of the Flodigarry Fairies” from a group called Friends of the Eilean Fhlodaigerraidh Faeries. The organization raised concerns about the fate of the mystical “ashrai” – a sea fairy similar to a mermaid – which, according to legend, have lived off the coast of Skye for a thousand years. Once a century, it is said, the mystical creatures are drawn to the surface of the water to bathe in the moonlight.



Those opposing the farm claim the sea fairies “fear for their lives” and the cages would draw them to the surface of the sea, causing them to melt. Thus, a warning was issued that the lives of workers could be placed at risk by the creatures, who could “lure them with promises of gold and jewels into the deepest part of the ocean.”



According to the letter, “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. It is proven that the steel of the fish farm cages draws many Ashrai to the surface, with only one result: they melt.” The 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. Additionally, it was noted that water spirits – called the “Blue Men of the Minch” – and water birds called “broobries” could also be in danger.



Other industry lobby groups and individual residents joined the fairy organization in questioning the impact of the farm’s impact on Skye’s tourist industry.



Following a six-hour meeting, the proposals were rejected and a joint objection by the Scottish Fishermen Federation, Scottish White Fish Producers Association and the Mallaig and North West Fishermen’s Association agreed the concern remains for the “safety” of local fishermen. There were also questions about chemicals used in the salmon farming industry.



Scottish National Heritage agreed the farm would have an impact on the nearby coast, but it was for the council to decide whether any environmental effect would impact local policies.



Sources: MyStyleNews, January 23, 2020; Scottish Mythology; and Cryptid Chronicles.

