There are renewed calls for powers to regulate ship to ship oil transfers in Scottish waters to be devolved to Edinburgh.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has written to Patrick McLoughlin, UK Secretary of State for Transport, saying it would ensure decisions can be taken by the Scottish Government in line with European obligations to protect the marine environment.

He also asks the Whitehall Department for Transport (DfT) to think again about removing the emergency coastguard tug from Orkney when its contract ends late next month.

Mr Lochhead's call comes as the controversy intensifies over a plan to transfer nearly nine million tonnes of crude oil between tankers at anchor at the mouth of the Cromarty Firth. There are fears that any resulting oil spillage would have a "catastrophic" impact on environmental sites, bird sanctuaries and bottlenose dolphins.

RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the National Trust for Scotland and Cromarty and District Community Council (nearest to the proposed transfer points) , have all objected. More than 6,000 people have signed two petitions opposing the plan and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has raised concerns.

But under current governmental arrangements, the application from the Cromarty Firth Port Authority has been made to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) which turn advises McLoughlin as to whether a licence should be granted.

Mr Lochhead said “Scotland’s seas are a precious and valuable resource and we are committed to protecting them. But our ability to do this is undermined by decisions being taken elsewhere.

“We have a legal obligation to protect Scotland’s environment and yet we have no say in whether ship to ship transfer of oil can take place in our waters. That is why I am again calling for the UK Government to give Scotland these powers without delay, given there is an application for the Cromarty Firth being considered.

“If, once again, the UK Government refuse to devolve these powers, they simply must consult the Scottish Government before a decision about the Cromarty Firth application, and any application affecting Scottish waters, is taken. In the meantime we are paying very close attention to the views of Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which we will consider carefully.

“I have also raised the UK Government’s decision to remove the remaining emergency towing vessel from the Scottish coast which is a worrying backward step that does nothing to help protect our mariners, marine wildlife and the industries that depend on our seas.

“We need urgent action to ensure that Scotland’s seas and coastal communities are properly protected.”

The DFfT was asked to comment on Mr Lochhead's letter, but it was the MCA who responded. A spokeswoman said:

“We are currently reviewing the feedback received from the public consultation into the Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s licence application. We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, before any decision is made.”

"With regards to Emergency Towing Vessel funding and provision, the MCA is reviewing shipping safety risks and consulting. A meeting with stakeholders in the Northern and Western Isles is taking place today."