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CLIMATE campaigners scaled an oil tanker and formed a blockade in a bid to "shut down the oil industry in Scotland".

Activists from This is Rigged stormed the Ineos refinery in Grangemouth, Falkirk, and the Nustar Clydebank oil terminal in West Dunbartonshire today.

Protesters stormed Nustar Depot in Clydebank
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Protesters stormed Nustar Depot in ClydebankCredit: John Kirkby
Several members of the group were seen sitting on the top of big pipes.
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Several members of the group were seen sitting on the top of big pipes.Credit: John Kirkby
This is Rigged also protested at the Ineos Refinery in Grangemouth
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This is Rigged also protested at the Ineos Refinery in GrangemouthCredit: PA
Protesters posted videos to social media as they blocked oil from leaving and sat on trucks
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Protesters posted videos to social media as they blocked oil from leaving and sat on trucksCredit: Twitter

They claim to have stopped oil leaving the sites and could be seen protesting at the gates, sitting on pipes and on top of a tanker.

Police officers with climbing equipment moved in after protesters also blocked the front gate.

They were removed and taken away in police vans.

It comes just days after environmental campaigners pitched up tents at a plush estate near the Grangemouth site without permission.

Read more on This is Rigged

The campaign group posted on Twitter: "Grangemouth supplies 90% of Scotland's oil.

"We have stopped oil leaving this site, as well as Nustar Terminal in Clydebank.

"We have no plans to stop.

"Groups of people are currently occupying pipework and a fuel silo and blockading terminal gates, while another group has immobilised a car park full of tankers at the Grangemouth facility.

"No fuel can leave the sites while they are occupied.

"The action is the first in a sustained series of actions, in which the group has vowed to shut down the Scottish oil industry."

Eleven protesters have been arrested after the demonstration as police continue to remain at the scene

The group called on the Scottish Government to implement a just transition for oil and gas workers "instead of assisting billionaires like (Ineos owner) Jim Ratcliffe".

They added: "Dinnae fash yersel (don't worry), Jim, we're not going anywhere."

Police have been called to both sites and Ineos said the Grangemouth terminal has been "temporarily closed to traffic" over safety concerns.

An Ineos spokesperson said: "We are aware of a number of protesters at the Grangemouth Road Terminal, and we have mobilised our incident management team.

"We are continuing to monitor the protest activity at the terminal, and we are liaising with Police Scotland, prioritising the safety of all those involved.

"Our manufacturing operations remain unaffected and, to prioritise the safety of all involved, we have temporarily closed the terminal to all traffic.

"We recognise the important part we are playing in addressing the climate challenges that lie ahead.

"Our operations, products and people are key to delivering the solutions that will drive the move towards net-zero emissions and the circular economy.

"We have already made significant progress, reducing emissions by more than 40% since acquiring the site in 2005 and we have a robust road map in place that will deliver on our commitments to be a net-zero manufacturer by 2045."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of a number of protesters at the Road Tanker Terminal at the Ineos site in Grangemouth.

"There is also a small group gathered at the oil terminal at Rothsay Dock, Clydebank.

"Officers are in attendance."

Nustar has been contacted for comment.

Seven protesters have been arrested as a result of the protest
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Seven protesters have been arrested as a result of the protestCredit: Alan Ewing
Police used cranes and climbing devices to reach the protestors
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Police used cranes and climbing devices to reach the protestorsCredit: Alan Ewing
Activists prevented trucks from leaving the refinery
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Activists prevented trucks from leaving the refineryCredit: PA
Police confirmed officers were in attendance at the protests
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Police confirmed officers were in attendance at the protestsCredit: John Kirkby

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