Move to stop oil transfers

THE Scottish administration is expected to bring forward powers that might stop ship-to-ship transfers on the Firth of Forth.

MSPs have agreed that there must be tighter controls over transferring oil amid wildlife concerns - but it was unclear how the parliament could stop the transfers going ahead as permission is granted by a private company, Forth Ports.

However, ministers are expected to use devolved powers under the habitats directive, which allows them to veto the transfers in order to protect the environment.