Swinney 'deeply concerned' seized tanker is in Scottish firth

Scotland's first minister said he was "deeply concerned" to learn from media reports that a Russian flagged oil tanker seized by the US is in the Moray Firth.

The US has accused the Marinera of breaking its sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia and Iran.

The ship, previously known as Bella 1, was boarded while south of Iceland in an operation supported by British armed forces.

John Swinney said he would have expected to have been told in advance about steps to accommodate the ship in the firth. The UK government said on Tuesday the tanker had entered UK waters to take on fresh supplies.

The UK government has been asked for a response to Swinney's comments.

The Marinera is in the firth off Burghead, a village on the Moray coast. Tugs and a US Coast Guard ship are next to it.

Swinney said the Scottish government should have been briefed of the situation in advance.

"I'm deeply concerned that I have not been (briefed) and these issues have been raised with the United Kingdom government and we're trying to seek information about this," he said.

"It is not appropriate for the Scottish government to learn about these issues through media reports.

"There should be advanced briefing from the United Kingdom government and I am insisting on that."

On Tuesday, a UK government spokesperson said: "The Bella 1 entered UK waters to be replenished with essential supplies - including food and water for the crew - earlier today before it continues its onward journey."

The UK government said it had no direct involvement in the replenishment operation.

The US defence department, which was involved in co-ordinating the operation to seize the tanker, has been contacted for comment.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said "deterring, disrupting and degrading" Russia's "shadow fleet" was a priority.

A spokesperson said: "Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels – and we will continue to do so.

"We will not comment on specific operational planning or give a running commentary on live maritime activity."

It is understood US military aircraft landed at small civilian airports in Wick in Caithness and Benbecula in the Western Isles during the operation on 7 January.

The MoD did confirm at the time that the Royal Navy tanker RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft supported American personnel.

The Moray Firth is a sheltered area of sea between the east Highland coast and the coasts of Moray and Aberdeenshire.

It was at the centre of an international row 15 years ago after elements of Russia's Baltic Fleet sought shelter from winter storms about 30 miles (48km) off the firth.

Angus Robertson, who was SNP defence spokesman at the time, accused crew of throwing waste overboard.

It was understood the Royal Navy informed the National Maritime Information Centre about food waste being dumped from an aircraft carrier.

The appearance of the tanker in the firth has caused a stir in Burghead.

Grace Main, who grew up in the village, said: "I thought it was a spoof.

"I thought it was AI generated, it was so unbelievable that it was on our doorstep.

"But, no, it's actually here."

Iain Gale, who is staying in Burghead, said the ship had to go somewhere.

He said: "It's an international situation so why not be here?

"It needs to be somewhere safe and secure."