Opponents of plans for ship to ship oil transfers in the Firth of Forth have warned of a "huge court battle" over the plans. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has told Forth Ports that it intends to approve the authority's oil spill contingency plan, with some changes.
The proposal to transfer oil from Russia has caused widespread anger. The BBC Scotland news website brings together some of the reaction.
Fife Council leader Anne McGovern
"We'll look at all the legal options to ensure we can do all we can to oppose these outrageous plans."
Scottish Green Party MSP Robin Harper
"We have been badly let down by the legislators, this is very bad news."
Mark Ruskell, the Greens' environment spokesman
"If it fails in its duty to uphold the law and reject the application for oil transfers, then it (Forth Ports) will face a huge court battle."
Richard Evans, RSPB Scotland
"We remain extremely concerned about the disastrous potential of this activity in the Firth of Forth and its impact on the internationally important bird life."
Stuart Hay, Friends of the Earth Scotland
"The Firth of Forth is now at greater risk of an oil spill thanks to minimal regulations, a rigged consultation and the greed of the harbour authority. The decision has undoubtedly ignored the results of the botched consultation announced by Alistair Darling - a process which has now be shown to be a complete sham. This is no way to safeguard our marine heritage."
East Lothian Council spokesman
"We are unhappy with this decision and we will maintain our opposition to the plan."
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