Questions at Holyrood over Glen Fruin oil pipeline leak

Questions are to be asked in the Scottish Parliament over the oil pipeline leak in Glen Fruin.

A major multi-agency response was launched when a leak of crude oil from the pipeline linking the Finnart oil terminal with Grangemouth was reported on January 2.

Residents and tourists were initially relocated and the single-track C70 road through the glen could be closed until July 2025.

SEPA says it is still ‘closely monitoring’ the site but together with operators Petroineous have refused to say how much oil has leaked, while insisting it is a small amount.

Now Ross Greer, a Green MSP for the West of Scotland region, has lodged a series of parliamentary questions about the leak.

“Like local residents, I was very concerned to hear about the leak in January,” he said.

“It’s important that there’s transparency and clear communication with the community now.

“We need clear answers on how big the leak was, how it was caused and how long the clear-up will take.

“We also need assurances that the extremely precious salmon and trout populations downstream in Glen Fruin and Loch Lomond have not been harmed.”

The leak is on land owned by the Ministry of Defence which is leased to a tenant farmer.

SEPA says that staff are in ongoing discussions with Petroineos and their contractors, and a ‘pipeline repair solution’ has been identified.

A spokesperson added: “Preferred remediation options will be identified via a detailed ground investigation process. SEPA will provide expert comment before any remediation is undertaken.

“We have been regularly monitoring the water environment since 3rd January 2024 and will continue to do so until we are satisfied that clean-up is satisfactorily concluded.

“While minor, localised environmental impacts have been recorded within the containment area, no significant impact has been detected with respect to water quality, migratory fish or other wildlife within the Fruin Water or Loch Lomond.

“We remain confident that the containment measures are performing well, especially considering the significant rainfall events experienced in January and February, including Storm Isha.”