The MP for the Western Isles is to question the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the safety of the North Sea after a large military drone was found washed up on a popular beach.
Angus MacNeil said the 33ft target drone could have been a threat to local fishing boats after it was discovered at Baleshare on North Uist on Thursday.
The Uists are home to Europe’s biggest missile testing range, and operator QinetiQ confirmed that the drone was used during firing exercises.
Mr MacNeil said: “While we welcome the military exercise, it is concerning that military litter is left around afterwards.
“I would imagine that the MoD would have more control and knowledge over their equipment than this, and I wouldn’t like to think of a lobster boat colliding with a drone given its weight and size.
“I want the MoD to be open and transparent and to tell us if there is any more military equipment in our waters that we should be looking out for.”
QinetiQ operates the Hebrides missile range on behalf of the MoD.
Both bodies have insisted the drones are not dangerous.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “This kind of target is used to support testing and training. They are normally recovered from the sea, but this is sometimes not possible due, for example, to adverse weather conditions.
“It does not contain explosive material and represents no danger to the general public when washed up.”
Meanwhile, Navy bomb disposal experts are due to arrive on Uist to deal with an 18-inch long cylindrical object – believed to be a submarine flare – which was found about ten miles away at Balemore.
It has been cordoned by coastguards after first being reported at 3.50pm on Thursday.