Press Release
London-bound council leaders ask shipping minister to think again
A delegation of Highlands and Islands local authority leaders is heading for London, demanding a halt to plans for the withdrawal of emergency tug cover from Scotland's coastline.
Shipping minister Mike Penning will also be told that the proposed closure of either the Lerwick or Stornoway coastguard station is "completely unacceptable".
The meeting, in London on 7 February, will see representatives of all the Highlands and Island authorities speaking with one voice to counter what they see as a direct and brutal threat to the safety of seafarers.
"There is real anger about these plans," said Shetland Islands Council Convener Sandy Cluness, "and it is an anger shared by all council leaders and the people they represent. There is a genuine danger that ships, crews and passengers will be placed in harm's way if these Government actions are allowed to proceed. Lives are at stake.We haveprobably thelongest and most vulnerable coastline in the whole of Europe. The MCA is just a government agency like any other, and the Tory/Liberal coalition should reject thissenseless and dangerous proposal without any further delay”.
A professional assessment of the risks faced by mariners off the UK's most remote coasts has been commissioned by the councils and will be presented to the minister. The delegation will also support coastguard staff in their lobbying of Mr Penning and the presentation of a petition asking him to think again.
MPs and MSPs for the Northern and Western isles have also attacked the plan, which is out for consultation until 24 March. Whichever island coastguard station remains open will see its hours severely cut back from the present round-the-clock status.
Mr Cluness said:"The two emergency towing vessels currently covering the Northern and Western isles, and the north west coast of Scotland, have proven their worth time and time again, as have the dedicated men and women of our coastguard stations, with their detailed local knowledge and commitment to safety at sea. Theremoval of the Nimrodcapability only adds to the dangers.
"These are busy and very dangerous waters, subject to some of the most severe weather found near the UK. As local authority leaders, we have a duty of care to those who live by the sea, and we intend to fulfil that duty when we meet Mr Penning on 7 February, and demand he withdraw these misguided proposals."
Leader of Western Isles Council, Angus Campbell said:
The Minister has to realise that what they are proposing will put people’s lives at risk across the whole of the west coast of Scotland. If we are left with no tug and no coastguard station there will be a significantly increased risk to lives and the environment. The withdrawal of one of these provisions would be bad enough but to get rid of both is simply unacceptable. Together with our colleagues across the Highlands and Islands we will be making the case for the retention of coastguard stations at both Lerwick and Stornoway and the retention of the emergency tug.”