HOLYROOD will next week debate plans for ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Moray Firth, after a Highland MSP called for powers relating to the matter to be devolved.
Kate Forbes said it was “ridiculous” that an organisation in Southampton was ruling on such transfers in Scottish waters. Campaign group Cromarty Rising has gathered more than 100,000 signatures on a petition opposing the plans by Cromarty Firth Port Authority.
It urged the Scottish Government to ensure legislation is sufficient to prevent the crude oil transfers in environmentally sensitive locations, and sought answers on the legal validity of contingency plans that involve the planned euthanasia of cetaceans stranded during oil spills.
MSP John Finnie secured the debate, which will be held next Wednesday.
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