Last minute stay of execution for coastguard tug 30/9/11
Stornoway .Stornoway coastguard tug has won an 11th hour stay of execution.
It comes just hours before the patrolling contract for the salvage ship was due to end tonight.
The Westminister government has agreed to keep the boat which safeguards the Minch for a further three months and gives a serious commitment to release find alternative funding.
The government had wanted to axe the tug contract which includes the operation of two vessel in the south of England to save £32 million.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has identified where the money could come from. The authority urged the transport minister to activate the process to release the cash presently tied up in from various arms of government.
The Comhairle points out its own risk assessment “clearly shows that there is an significantly increased risk to life and of a major environmental disaster if there is no tug.”
It argues that catastrophic result of a major pollution accident would outweigh the costs of retaining an emergency vessel.
SNP MP Angus MacNeil said: “I welcome any extension beyond what was midnight tonight but three months leaves us in the bizarre situation of removing tugs in the depths of winter.
“At a time when the government at Westminster, can find £250 million for bin collections, it seems that they are unable to deliver any more for the Highlands and Islands than a very short term package on coastal protection.
“Basically the government at Westminster must do better, it’s little wonder that support for independence grows apace in Scotland.”
Responding to an announcement today that both the Western Isles and Shetland Emergency Towing Vessels will be in service for the next three months, the Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell, said: “This is excellent news and a very welcome development. The Comhairle is pleased that the Government has listened to the case we and our fellow members of the Task Group have been making. We look forward to working with Government, including the Scotland Office, to confirm the long term future for the tugs covering the Western and Northern seas of Scotland. There has been a considerable campaign both within and outwith Government and I would thank all those who have helped to achieve this common sense outcome.
A spokesman for Shetland Islands Council, said: “Shetland Islands Council welcomes this three month extension which is in the interests of all communities in the Highlands and Islands.
“The Government has recognised the merits of the campaign we and our partners have made. We now look forward to working with the UK Government and in particular the Scotland Office in relation to the long term solution”.