The support from our MSP’s keeps flooding in – a reply from Richard Lochhead MSP to one of our team:
“I support many of my constituents who are adamantly opposed to ship to ship oil transfers in the Moray and Cromarty Firths for environmental reasons. The Highlands and Island is a beautiful area, rich with marine wildlife, that contributes greatly to our tourism sector, and it is important that ship to ship oil transfers, should there be any oil spills, does not put this at risk”
Then another from Maree Todd MSP:
“Thank you for your email to Maree (Todd MSP). Concerning your views on Ship to Ship. Maree went out to join your campaign at the Scottish Parliament showing her support. However this is a Reserved matter. We will follow your campaign through Drew Hendry MP. Hoping this matter is quickly resolved.”
Less convincing but a step in the right direction, and great news on the back of support from Mike Russell, Kate Forbes, Gail Ross, John Finnie, Mark Ruskell and even the First Minister herself. Mark Ruskell posed a number of questions to the Scottish Government when we went for our protest at the Scottish Parliament – watch out for the answers in tomorrow’s oil leak.
In the meantime, if this issue at all concerns you – we would urge you to keep writing to you MSP, go see them in their surgery if you can. Remind them that, although this may not be a devolved issue, this is an issue that matters to you. It is YOU that elects THEM – the MCA are not a choice on the ballot paper. They work for you – make sure they know that you expect them to deal with this issue – this affects environment, business, tourism, the economy – these ARE devolved issues and it is incumbent upon our MSP’s to deal with this. We understand that a debate has been secured in the Scottish Parliament on this issue (more on this later) – make sure your MSPs are informed.
