THE SMALL group of environmentalists occupying Rockall in protest at oil activity in the Atlantic yesterday claimed sovereignty over the inhospitable outcrop.

The activists, from Greenpeace, hoisted a flag at the top of the 70ft high rock and declared a new global state of Waveland. But they stressed they did not want to own Rockall.

Three Greenpeace activists, Peter, Meike and Eric, who were landed on the island by helicopter last week, plan to stay "indefinitely" by taking refuge in a survival capsule.

Greenpeace deputy executive director, Chris Rose, said: "Four nations want the oil around Rockall. We do not recognise their right to develop it. We have told Tony Blair that we don't want Rockall itself but that the oil should be set aside for the common good,"

The activists on Rockall may be breaching the planning conditions of the Western Isles Council. Brian Stewart, chief executive said Greenpeace might require planning permission if they stayed longer than 28 days.