Nuclear convoys was the focus of Green’s debate

An MSP this week claimed that nuclear covoys parking behind a“flimsy chain link fence”at Stirling’s Forthside barracks is“a disaster movie waiting to happen”.

Green Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell made the comments in a debate in the Scottish Parliament this week pointing out that explosives and nuclear warheads – transported by road to the Royal Navy armaments depot at Coulport – regularly pass through central Scotland.

During the Holyrood debate Mr Ruskell said Stirling Council“must assess the impact of a release to radioactive material from these convoys.”

He told MSPs:“Convoys are parked behind a flimsy chainlink fence next to Nando’s and the Vue cinema. It is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Mr Ruskell is also asking constituents to put pressure on Stirling Council to reveal what, if any, contingency plans are in place should an accident happen.

During the debate Scottish Government community safety minister Annabelle Ewing said she would write to the police and fire inspectorate to ask them to consider a review of response arrangements.

Mr Ruskell added: “Convoys bring unique risks to our communities. Emergency services and councils would face near impossible challenges should an accident or terrorist attack occur.

“Any review must look in detail at the need to assess risk and plan for an incident as well as informing the public with appropriate information. We also really need to hear from Stirling Council on what their emergency plans are and I’d encourage my constituents to get in touch to let me know if they’ve seen a nuclear convoy pass through their area.”