IT was an industry which sustained isolated communities on Scotland's further-flung islands for generations, before suffering a devastating collapse that left families desperate and destitute.

But now a new 'green rush' could see large-scale seaweed farming rise from the ashes once again and help revitalise the coasts of the Western Isles. 

Plans have been unveiled to create a chain of community-owned ventures harvesting the bounty of the sea in an area stretching from Islay to Lochinver, with the hope of creating jobs and an economic boom which could create vital income streams. 

Chemicals extracted from seaweed are used in everything from cosmetics to food products and fertilizer, and it can be farmed using sustainable methods which do not damage seabeds. 

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In the 17th and 18th centuries communities across the Western Isles made a living from harvesting kelp for potash - used to make glass - but the industry collapsed with the end of the Napoleonic Wars and tariffs on European imports. 

READ MORE: Treasure trove of lost historical images depicting island life has been preserved 

The loss of trade is said to have been one of the factors which led many Highland communities to up sticks and seek afresh start in the New World, leaving coastal areas dotted with the ruined remains of kelpers huts to this day. 

In the village of Arisaig, plans are being made to bring back the industry, with a public meeting about the project due to be held next week.  

Scottish Seaweeds, the group behind the ambitious scheme, is giving the presentation, with input from Easdale-based marine biologist Duncan Smallman, who also founded Slate Islands Seaweed Ltd.

"We have had a huge response from communities. The aim is to generate jobs and an income stream for local communities," he said.

"The west coast has an amazing coastline and a lot of good seaweed species. We are talking to communities that are interested in farming seaweed. It will be like a co-operative.

"We would guarantee buying 100 percent of all the seaweed that is produced in the first few years. That would give security to communities and take away any initial market risk." 

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The harvested seaweed would be used in the nutritional supplement, vitamin and bio-degradable packaging industries.

READ MORE: Scottish Government to back proposals to ban mechanical harvesting of kelp

Mr Smallman believes that establishing seaweed farming as an industry could help wean communities' away from a dependency on tourism, providing more options for local businesses.

"We are talking to Arisaig first. We are just looking to find out what people's thoughts are," added Mr Smallman.

"We want to explore the opportunities for seaweed farming on the west coast of Scotland as a way of helping economies diversify and not having to be so reliant on mainly tourism.

"The seaweed will be farmed at sea with low visual impact. It's not wild harvesting. It is a cross between agriculture and aquaculture."

If there is sufficient interest, and funding can be found, the first farm could be up and running by next year, with more to follow.

Late last year a row erupted when the Scottish Government decided to review the rules surrounding the harvesting of kelp.

However, Ministers announced they would back proposals to ban the mechanical harvesting of the seaweed in Scotland's waters.

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Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed her support for the plan to prohibit the practice.

The proposal was initially brought after more than 10,000 people backed a petition against the practice.

However, any seaweed farms would use traditional methods to harvest on a small scale by hand.

Seaweed farmers first rope off an area to bind it  together, then cut the tops of the 'stalks' leaving enough left to regrow. Beds generally regenerate within three to four years. 

READ MORE: What it feels like ... to be a seaweed forager

The Hebridean Seaweed Company in Stornoway is Britain's largest seaweed processor, and supplies algae for the sets of blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars as well as agricultural products.

The company was recently awarded £800,000 from EU funds towards its new £6.5m factory.

Managing director Martin Macleod said the new production facility, which will be completed this year, and will double the workforce eventually to around 26.

Pamela King, from the Arisaig Community Trust, said that locals were keen to know more about bringing the industry to their area.

She said:"It would be great if people who are knowledgeable about seaweed or marine farming could come along.

 "If it appears beneficial to the village, we would support a group to set up the business."

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