Commenting on the planned visit of the Russian state-owned oil tanker to Scapa Flow, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine – a peaceful European democracy – has rightly appalled us all and set Russia on the path to becoming a pariah state.
“However, I am deeply concerned that UK ports appear to remain open to Russian shipping, with the Sovcomflot-owned NS Champion scheduled to visit Orkney's Flotta terminal this week.
“I raised this issue directly with the Secretary of State for Scotland on Saturday morning and have been advised that the matter is being raised further with Number 10.
“The United Kingdom has already closed our airspace to Russian airlines, and our waters should be closed to Russian state-owned shipping too.
"It is important that, given the actions already taken against Putin's regime and its interests, we ensure there are no loopholes left available to be exploited by Russian state interests".
