Oil move plan ‘to be refined’

Cromarty Firth port chiefs have agreed to a “programme of further work” in an attempt to allay major community concerns about the proposed transfer of crude oil between tankers.

The commitment follows talks between the port authority and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) over the controversial application.

Cromarty Firth Port Authority wants permission to transfer millions of tonnes of crude oil a year between tankers in waters which are famed for dolphins and rare sea birds.

The plan has led to environmental fears and has already attracted objections from Black Isle community councils, the National Trust for Scotland and the RSPB, while about 20,000 people have signed three petitions opposing the application.

The MCA revealed last night that it has completed its “initial assessment” of the proposal, although a final decision will not be taken for several weeks. It was agreed that the application would be “refined” to try to ease concerns.

The port has applied to carry out oil transfers of up to 180,000 tonnes while vessels are anchored at the mouth of the firth. Approval would allow four transfers a month.