The development  approach is a familiar one to the wind farming sector as well, where money can be ofered to be paid out to a region for it's enduring wind turbine power generation.

The Colonsay Islanders are understandably split on the issue reports Rob Edwards. Some worried about environmental risks, others anxious for new jobs. They will vote on the plan later this year, and Marine Harvest has  pledged to honour the outcome.

"I have not yet seen enough evidence to say that we are not taking an unacceptable risk," said Laird AlexHoward, who owns 60% of the island and 38% of its homes,  warning the farm "could backfire horribly" because it "could have incredible, far-reaching negative consequences, ruining the environment."

Marine Harvest has failed to control pollution at some of its fish farms. Eight of its west coast and island salmon farms were rated as "poor" by  Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) in 2010, some 48 "good" or "excellent."

The fish farm would create six full-time jobs, a significant boost to the existing 16 full-time jobs.