A LEGAL CHANGE that should ensure effective protection for a host of internationally important sites for wildlife around Scotland has been welcomed by the RSPB.

The Scottish Parliament has approved a change to the 1994 Habitats Directive that will give the Scottish Government the right to “call in” plans for protected sites, including the controversial ship-to-ship oil transfer plan for the Firth of Forth.

Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said, “The amended regulations will ensure a level playing field for all plans and projects which affect our best wildlife sites.

“So this is not only good news for the Firth of Forth, but for all of our internationally-designated sites for wildlife,” he went on.

“Now the Scottish Government needs to capitalise on this achievement by making sure that the new marine Bill delivers a comprehensive system of planning and conservation for all Scotland’s seas.

“In particular, we’d hope that forthcoming Scottish and UK marine Acts complement each other in safeguarding the environment with an effective approach to ship-to-ship transfers.”