A major exercise to simulate an oil spill in the Firth of Forth will take place off the Fife coast on Wednesday.
A large multi-agency presence will be established on the water and coastline at Craigdimas Rock at Aberdour as part of Clearwater Forth, an emergency pollution control plan.
Those involved in the exercise, led by Forth Ports, include Sepa, Marine Scotland, Fife Council, police and fire services, as well as oil giant Shell.
The purpose of the exercise is to give staff in every agency practice in what to do should a real oil spill ever occur in the Forth, which is navigated daily by large tankers en route to the oil terminal at Hound Point, near the Forth Bridge.
Captain Bob Baker, chief harbour master at Forth Ports, said that such exercises were crucial should the worst ever happen.
“Safety is a top priority for Forth Ports and all the other organisations involved in Clearwater Forth.
“These annual exercises help us all gain experience so that we are better equipped to respond speedily and effectively should a real oil spillage ever occur in the river.
“We look at all kinds of situations during exercises and build on any lessons that arise so that we can improve our emergency procedures and be better placed to protect the local communities and the environment.”