Sutherland 'stands firm' with people of Ukraine, says local councillor Deirdre Mackay as she questions weekend Lear jet flight from Highland capital to Moscow
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A veteran Sutherland councillor has said that the county stands firm with the beleaguered people of Ukraine.
Cllr Deirdre Mackay spoke out over the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the start of this morning’s meeting of Sutherland County Committee.
The long-time East Sutherland and Edderton ward representative said: “Sutherland is one of the most sparsely populated areas in all of Europe, but we also have our role to play.
“During World War II, the Highlands, and in particular the Arctic Convoys, played a vital role supporting Russia during its years of oppression.
“Like the rest of the free and civilised world, we have been utterly sickened and appalled by what we have seen in Ukraine and we now stand firm with the people of Ukraine.
“Every act of unity counts, and at every level, we need to do all we can to support the people of Ukraine.”
Cllr Mackay, who is standing down at he May 5 local authority elections, said: “Elected in 1999, this is my final county committee, and never in a million years did I think my concluding remarks would be focussed on the Highlands and the role of a tyrant (Russian president Vladimir Putin) who has placed his nuclear force on special alert.”
She is now urging the UK Government to act to “close loopholes”, claiming that a private Lear jet was able to fly from Inverness to Moscow on Saturday.
The UK has closed its airspace to all Russian planes including private jets.
“On Saturday, a private Lear jet, registered in Estonia, flew from Inverness to Moscow,” said Cllr Mackay.
“Its journey started the previous day when it departed Moscow to Geneva. On Saturday it flew to Amsterdam and on to Inverness from where it flew to Moscow.
“We need to ask why this was allowed? Who was on this round trip to Moscow? What was their business?
“Russian planes, including private jets, are banned from UK airspace. So what we have witnessed is the exploitation of a loophole which requires to be closed rapidly.
“This at the same time a Russian oil tanker is due to dock in Orkney. This incident has been referred to Westminster and I understand will be raised in Parliament today.
“However, what it also does is bring into sharp focus the reach of Putin’s evil and the role we all need to play against the man who has invaded Ukraine, threatened Scandinavian neighbours and placed his nuclear force on special alert. The man whose cronies dared to land on our doorstep.
“Chairman, we urgently and with no further delay, need the UK Government to act to close loopholes.
“The people of the Highlands will not provide a back door for Putin’s cronies to travel. They are not welcome here.”
Cllr Hugh Morrison, north, west and central, Sutherland, supported Cllr Mackay, Saying: “I support what is being said. It is quite bizarre to see it (the private jet) travelling from Inverness.”
The county committee is to seek the full support of Highland Council in an approach to the UK Government.
