‘No stone being left unturned’ as OIC stands with the community over Russian tanker

Orkney Islands Council says it stands by the strength of the community surrounding the scheduled visit of NS Champion.

The authority has released a statement this evening and they say “no stone is being left unturned” in order to block access to Scapa Flow and Flotta.

The ship continues to hold its position in an area to the south-east of Orkney as it prepares to call in by Flotta on Tuesday.

The authority says: “We stand with Ukraine — and with our community.

“Over the weekend, we have been working tirelessly to try and find a solution to the issue of the visiting tanker — in order to support the strength of feeling that is running not only in our community, but throughout our organisation too.

“We’re doing everything that is legally in our power to avert this situation — no stone is being left unturned.

“It’s a very complex, fast-moving situation and there are many unanswered questions. We expect to receive more information from UK/Scottish Governments tomorrow morning — and will update you in due course.”