Luing quarry revival divides opinion among islanders

The representations in favour of the community-led project to re-open No 3 quarry at Cullipool, last worked about 60 years ago, outnumbered the ten objections sent to Argyll and Bute Council planners.

A decision is still to be made, but those behind the scheme, which is part of a bigger plan to re-generate the island and grow its population, hope it will get approval.

If it all goes ahead, the project would eventually create seven full-time jobs and would include a viewing shed where visitors could look in at slate being split.

Historic Environment Scotland has given its support and is interested in using some of the slate that would be generated for its re-roofing projects.

Letters of support said the project had been developed in consultation with the community to produce low-volume, high-value slate and was likely to become a tourist attraction that would benefit businesses on the island.

Others showing support said it would "sustain and support" the existing community in numerous ways. The island’s eldest resident, aged 98, was among those in favour, also supporting another bid to use rocks from the quarry to help shore up Cullipool’s eroding coastline.

"The community has worked hard for the past 20 years to revive its population and economy, with the creation of the Atlantic Islands Centre the first significant achievement. This project would be the first step to the second major achievement, economic revival and employment, and should lead, in time, to the third necessary achievement - new housing," said one full-time resident.

Another said: "It is clear extensive work has been carried out to mitigate any effects the enterprise will have on the community while preserving the great attributes that makes Luing a great place to live and visit."