Charity warns of oil spill risk to seabirds

A LEADING environmental charity in East Lothian has warned thousands of sea birds could be at serious risk following the recent oil spill in the North Sea.

Tom Brock, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, said he was “extremely concerned” about the leaking of an estimated 216 tonnes – 1300 barrels – of oil from a Shell platform off the coast of Aberdeenshire since last week and called for a “full investigation”.

He said: “This is a very important time of year for seabirds, as thousands of young chicks leave their nests and head out to the North Sea.

“We have been watching amazing pictures of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes live on our remote cameras successfully rearing their chicks. We are now very concerned that these birds could be at serious risk if they come into contact with the spillage.”