THE FORMER head of the under-threat Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory in Highland Perthshire last night insisted that to move the facility out of the area would be a “catastrophic” decision.

Dr Richard Shelton was the director of the Faskally laboratory for 19 years until 2001 and has joined the chorus of opposition to a possible relocation to Banchory in Aberdeenshire, which is being investigated by the Fisheries Research Service.

Politicians have outlined the economic impact a move would have on the area—namely £2 million being lost annually, as well as over 50 jobs.

While agreeing with that side of the argument, Dr Shelton, who is now the research director of the Atlantic Salmon Trust, highlighted a strong scientific case for the laboratory staying where it is.

It was “with great dismay” that he learned the switch was being mooted.

He said, “The reason for that is that freshwater fisheries science isn’t just restricted to the civil service.

“A lot of extremely important work is done by local biologists and their work is co-ordinated by the Faskally laboratory.

“Also based there is the Scottish Fisheries Co-ordination Centre, which is an integral part of the laboratory and the work of regional biologists.

“What happens is that frontline research is carried out by the laboratory and putting it to work is largely done by biologists in the regions.

“The great advantage of the laboratory being situated where it is at present is in the fact that it is exactly at the geographical centre of Scotland.

“You can reach any part of Scotland and get back in a day, which is unique to this area. You certainly couldn’t say the same for Banchory and the north-east of Scotland.

“That is why it is so important the laboratory remains where it is. It’s crucial to the application of science.”

The fact that relocation is being considered comes as no surprise to Dr Shelton as he had to put forward the argument for the status quo when he was in charge.

He said, “I don’t really know what decision will be made this time but I do know that it would be a catastrophic mistake to relocate, which would be strongly regretted in years to come. It would be a huge error of judgment.”