Campaigners are against ship to ship oil transfers in the Forth

A group lobbied the parliament at its temporary home at The Hub on The Royal Mile on Thursday during a debate on the issue.

It is hoped the move will send a message to Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin to "ditch" the plans.

Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian councils are opposed to the proposals.

Sunderland firm Melbourne Marine Services Ltd, wants to transfer oil from Russia to other vessels bound for China or eastern Europe.

Forth Ports is in favour of the plan to transfer Russian oil to tankers, four miles off the Fife coast, at rates of up to 3,000 tonnes per hour.

There is widespread opposition to these proposals and it's crucial that parliament hears that opposition loud and clear Robin Harper Scottish Green Party MSP

Robin Harper, Scottish Green Party MSP for the Lothians, believes the transfer of oil in the Forth could pose a major hazard.

He said: "There is widespread opposition to these proposals and it's crucial that parliament hears that opposition loud and clear.

"These plans put the environment, wildlife, tourism and local businesses across the east coast at huge risk.

"Councils are united in their opposition, as are environmental agencies and NGOs - it's now time the minister started listening and acting on the advice she has been given."