For years, rich celebrities have wanted to use the Scottish Highlands as a development ground, and Stella McCartney's new "ultra-modernist" mansion is just the latest attempt. This development plan, situated on Commando Rock in Roshven, overlooking Loch Ailort to the north and a popular beach to the west, is one of the area's last undeveloped sites, is a wildlife haven, and has been proven multiple times to house a population of otters - a European protected species, the disruption of which would be illegal. Despite a preliminary survey carried out by Brown & Brown claiming no field signs were found, Dr Leon Durbin - a trained otter ecologist - recently discovered multiple signs of an otter holt nearby, with both very fresh spraint piles (dung) indicating current use, and old spraint piles, indicating long-term usage of the holt. Additionally, the presence of many worn-down paths and abundant droppings also indicate long-term otter usage of the proposed development site. Under the protective legislation, it is an offence to:

• Disturb an animal while it is occupying a structure or place used for shelter or protection
• Disturb an animal while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young
• Obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place, or otherwise deny an animal use of a breeding site or resting place
• Disturb an animal in a manner or in circumstances likely to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species
• Disturb an animal in a manner or in circumstances likely to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for its young

The proposed development has the potential to breach all five of these, especially as research by Hans Kruk suggests that otters may breed at all times of the year, with a peak in the summer. The loud noises of rock-breaking, tree-felling, construction and vehicles would play no small part in disturbance, and materials, vehicles and the actual proposed site would all obstruct access to otter holts, and the activity would trample the otter runs and pathways. It is likely the disturbance would force the otters to leave entirely, but the recent hyper-development of luxury second homes in the Roshven area means there are now precious few suitable habitats for otters left. The disruption of this site will jeopardise their survival even further - it is immoral, and certainly not up to the "environmentally friendly" reputation of Stella McCartney. Furthermore, the lack of a nearby water supply and recent fires in the area - further highlighting the drain on local water sources by second homes - would cause more noise and drain water supplies from elsewhere, vital to both local people and local wildlife. The installation of a septic tank may also impact marine ecosystems, as the proposed plan for wastewater to go into a reed bed system is illogical. The suggested area for the reed bed is rocky, and its close proximity to the sea would likely hinder its growth, causing pollution to enter local waterways - again affecting local people and the wider environment.

As of October 2024, the simultaneous construction of 3 development sites - most of them second homes - has caused locals to endure extreme and prolonged levels of noise pollution, severely impacting mental health. This has also affected local tourist businesses. Ironically, the construction of many second homes is destroying the main tourist draw to the area - the natural landscape and environment, as development sites are levelled and wildlife forced out. Dozens of local people have already objected to this proposed development, but are being continually ignored, undermining efforts to regenerate rural communities. The Arisaig and District Community Council itself is objecting to this development, and still no one is listening.

My arguments here originate from comments made by local people on the Highland Council website. I urge you to visit this website (https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wam/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=neighbourComments&keyVal=RPNS62IHGDD00 and see for yourself the original arguments written by the local people, and as I have only covered a small amount here, there will likely be many points I have not included.

I am originally from England, and moved to the Highlands when I was eight. In the nearly ten years I have lived and grown here, I have fallen deeply in love with its environment, culture, and people, and I consider myself truly lucky to be able to fight for its causes. At the same time, it fills me with sadness that the locals need to fight for the preservation of their country. I am a passionate environmentalist, and I am deeply concerned about the number of absurdly large luxury second homes being developed in areas where biodiversity is rich, and noise pollution impacts wildlife and local people. I live opposite beautiful wild land owned by an old farmer. When he retires, will this land also be purchased by a rich, untouchable celebrity and developed into something unrecognisable? Will I still see the pine martens on my wildlife camera, hear the overlapping chorus of countless species of birds, see the deer come down to graze in the (increasingly less) harsh winters? Will I still be able to disappear into the woodland when life overwhelms me, or will this woodland disappear, and my right to roam there with it? If we allow another detached celebrity to disregard local opposition and build an obtrusive, environmentally-scarring mansion, how will we stop anyone else? Where is the line?

As you can see, this matter is deeply personal. I implore you to consider signing this petition, so we can prevent further disruption to the local Roshven people and wildlife, as well as safeguard all of Scotland's wildlife havens from further development and destruction. Please, let's ensure Scotland's last wild areas STAY wild, for the benefit of us all.