SNH under fire after deballasting debate postponed

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) came under fire for a late response which led to an item being withdrawn from the council’s full council agenda today, Tuesday.

Councillors had been due to debate the ballast water management policy, however, a submission on the matter only arrived from SNH on Monday afternoon.

OIC convener Councillor Stephen Hagan said: “Item 16 has been withdrawn — information by some consultees was late. It is too important a report for us to bring it to the council today, it needs much more detail.”

However, Councillor Jim Foubister hit out at the organisation claiming it showed a “total disrespect for the democratic process”.

However, SNH said on Wednesday that they were not formally asked for advice by the OIC on this occasion.

A spokesman said: “Rather, we were asked for our advice by OIC’s consultants, so, in consultation with specialists in Marine Scotland, we worked on detailed technical reports commissioned by OIC. We received final versions of the main reports on March 2. A further addendum to the reports was supplied by the consultants to Marine Scotland on March 16.

“We have responded to this as quickly as we can. Our aim has been, and still, is to provide accurate advice to assist OIC in considering this complex environmental and legal matter.”