Fracking licences threaten both individuals and areas of historical importance, say green campaigners

A 10ft monster has turned up outside the Scottish Parliament to remind politicians that under UK government plans the Queen, or any other house owner, would not be able to stop fracking underneath their homes.

Dubbed Mr Frackhead, the caricature was “accosted” by the Queen as she attempted to stop it from drilling for shale gas under her Holyrood Palace home.

Friends of the Earth Scotland is touring the monster across the country.

Holyrood is just one of many sites of significance falling within areas on offer to energy companies in the 14th round of onshore oil and gas licensing.

Campaigners are currently opposing plans for coalbed methane extraction in several communities across the country - an industry that has very similar impacts to shale gas fracking.

Mary Church, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “Communities across Scotland are already fighting unconventional gas developments, but this latest round of licensing puts even more homes in the firing line.

“The UK government is ignoring massive public opposition in its reckless dash for gas while the industry resorts to bribes in an effort to foist fracking on communities."

Bill Frew, chairman of Canonbie Residents Association, which is campaigning against a licence being granted in the Falkirk area, said: “We are facing a real threat to our community from this industry where planning permissions at 19 sites were approved without any meaningful consultation with residents."

A survey undertaken by Canonbie Residents Against Coal Development, involving more than 360 local people, shows that more than 90% of them reject these proposals.