OIL PROTEST: Port of Cromarty Firth management say Highland protest is a 'matter for Police Scotland' after dozens of protestors gather at Invergordon entrance blocking the road
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THE Port of Cromarty Firth has said a protest at the gates of the facility in Invergordon will be managed by Police Scotland.
Early this morning, protest group Extinction Rebellion (XR) set up a 4.2metre oil rig structure calling for an end to the dependence of oil and gas in Scotland.
Four people have been locked into barrels at the entrance to the site, preventing traffic access.
John Lardner (69) and Exitinction Rebellion (XR) Scotland activist and retired history teacher, said: “The Chapham House report says that even if the Paris Agreement carbon emissions were achieved, we have almost no chance of staying below pre-industrial levels of warming. We have to act now. Our carbon budget is empty. We have no option.”
The group is calling for an end to fossil fuel extraction and support for a transition of skilled oil and gas workers into decommissioning and renewable industries, not new oil fields.
A spokesperson from the Port of Cromarty Firth said: “The Port of Cromarty Firth can confirm that the environmental group, Extinction Rebellion Scotland, are currently at the Invergordon Service Base entrance and participating in protest action. This is a matter for Police Scotland, who currently onsite managing the activity. The Port’s priority is for the health and safety of all individuals at our facilities, including our staff, port users, the local community and the protestor representatives.”
Police Scotland has been invited to comment.
