Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has called for more maritime emergency tug cover in the Minch after a it emerged that two vessels will be based in the north east.
The UK Government has brokered an agreement with the oil industry to release one of BP’s vessels to respond to an incident in waters around Scotland.
The North Star-
The north’s coastguard tug MV Herakles is also stationed in Orkney sparking calls from the Comhairle for more cover off the west coast.
Comhairle Leader Angus Campbell said: “It is good news that the oil industry is taking a greater role in the provision of an ETV for the north of Scotland and the Secretary of State has done well to secure such a model.
“However this still leaves the west coast vulnerable to incidents. The original plan, in the event of securing a second tug, was to move the ‘Herakles’ further south to ensure adequate cover for the west and the Minches as far south as Mingulay.
“I will be seeking a meeting of the Scottish emergency towing vessel working group to examine the issues around deployment arrangements.”