Latest results show 98% of responses oppose transfer proposals for Moray Firth
A survey of Nairn residents, carried out by Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey has prompted almost 300 replies and the results show overwhelming opposition to the proposal for ship to ship transfers in the Moray Firth.
Drew Hendry MP has shared the results of his survey in a letter to the Leader of the Highland Council. As a statutory consultee in the application process, Mr Hendry has asked that the Council join him “in raising concerns about the environmental and economic impact on coastal communities” adding that “Nairn, in particular, relies heavily on tourism, particularly focused around the beach and entire waterfront area.”
Commenting on the survey results, the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP said:
“Following the recent public meeting in Nairn, many constituents began to get in touch to share their concerns with me about the proposals. It is important to take a balanced view, as with all issues, therefore it is important to canvass the views of as many residents as possible. Therefore before Christmas, I wrote to hundreds of Nairn residents asking that they share their own thoughts on the matter.
“The response has certainly been a consistent reflection of the views that other concerned local people have shared with me to date. The fact that so many took the time to respond, and that 98% of respondents have stated that they are opposed, is a pretty clear statement from my constituents.
“I have already written to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and to Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, to highlight the strength of opposition to this licence application as they are the decision makers in this matter. In the meantime, I am contacting all statutory consultees, including the Highland Council, to share these views.
“Since the final decision is still to be made, I am keen that people continue to give their opinion and would encourage them to complete the survey, available on my website at www.drewhendrymp.scot”
The Cromarty Port Authority are expected to submit a revised application for Ship-to-Ship transfers in the Moray Firth, later this month. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, under the administration of the UK Government are the licencing