A north politician has criticised the Scottish Government over new plans for ship-to-ship oil transfers at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth.
Cromarty Firth Port Authority has applied to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to carry out the operations.
One time-time SNP MSP John Finnie, who is now a member of the Green Party, said he was bewildered that Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead had not intervened, despite his vocal opposition in 2008 to similar proposals in the Firth of Forth.
Mr Finnie referred to a speech made by Mr Lochhead in which where he said that “many members of the public and members across the parliament consider that even a scintilla of environmental risk is unacceptable”.
He criticised Mr Lochhead and the SNP government for staying silent. The consultation period on the plans closes on February 8.
Mr Finnie said: “For the government to have made such a drastic U-turn on this matter is of deep concern for all those with an interest in protecting the marine and wildlife of the Moray Firth.
“Now, in contrast to his vocal opposition to ship-to-ship transfer in the Forth, Richard Lochhead’s silence is deafening.
“There is clear and serious concern from local communities around the Moray Firth who have mobilised in opposition to the plan, about the environmental risks associated with this proposal.
“With oil being pumped at the rate of two tonnes per second, and it taking a maximum of forty seconds to shut down any spillage once it has been noticed, the extent of any leakage would be disastrous.
“This operation is unsafe, unnecessary and undesirable. In my view, and the view of the affected communities, it simply must not go ahead.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government’s position on this issue has been entirely consistent and has not changed.
“We recognises that ship-to-ship transfer of oil is an internationally recognised practice that is important to the shipping industry and has an excellent safety record in UK waters.
“However, we remain vigilant to the need for careful consideration in environmentally sensitive waters to ensure the highest standards of protection for our marine environment. We encourage those with an interest to submit their views to the consultation.”