Lochhead demands island tug replacement

SCOTTISH Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has raised concerns with the UK Government over the removal of an emergency towing vessel in the islands.

He has written to Transport Minister Mike Penning seeking assurances that tug cover for Stornoway in the Western Isles will be “urgently brought forward”.

Mr Lochhead said the tug was removed from its station last weekend without formal notice or alternative cover in place.

He said: “Within 48 hours of the Stornoway tug’s removal, the grounding of the MV Flintersprint in the Minch was a clear reminder of the risks faced by shipping in this complex and environmentally sensitive stretch of water. It’s completely unacceptable to leave this area without ETV cover.

“The UK Government has to accept the near-universal view that there is no viable commercial alternative to emergency tug cover for the Western Isles. Provision must be reinstated as soon as possible.”

The Ukgovernment scrapped two tugs covering the Western and Northern Isles last year, saying a “call-off” system run by oil and gas companies would replace them.

Mr Lochhead said talks continued between the UK Government and Oil & Gas UK on how cover for the Northern Isles could be provided.

He added: “The safety of human life and the marine environment must come before budgetary constraints.”