Marine scientists gather

THE availability of emergency tugs off Scotland’s West Coast and the Transocean Winner incident will be among issues discussed by an international environmental group meeting at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) this week.

The KIMO organisation is made up of local authorities from around Europe and its UK board will be in Dunstaffnage tomorrow (Friday).

As well as a presentation from senior SAMS scientist Dr Sheila Heymans, the board will hear about the work of the GRAB Trust and discuss issues around marine litter.

Argyll and Bute councillor Roddy McCuish, the local authority’s representative on KIMO, said: ‘To bring such an influential group to Dunstaffnage is recognition of the council’s vision to promote research and innovation as a key part of the area’s economic prosperity.

‘SAMS and the neighbouring European Marine Science Park are, and will be, a key part of this vision, as they attract high-class researchers to the area.

‘I look forward to showing my colleagues on KIMO UK what Argyll and Bute has to offer in marine research.’

KIMO is committed to the development of sustainable coastal communities by preventing pollution, protecting coastal communities from the impacts of marine pollution and climate change, and representing its member local authorities and associated members at an international and national level.

It acts as a lobby group and allows the sharing of best practice between its 70 member local authorities across Europe. Scottish members include Argyll and Bute, Highland, Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen.