Bid to improve water rescues welcomed

MSPs have welcomed a report on improving rescues on Scotland's inland waters and said the findings would be looked at in more detail.

Ministers had ordered a review last year after four anglers drowned when their boat sank on Loch Awe near Oban.

Concerns were raised at the time over delays because rescuers had to use a boat kept at Renfrew, near Glasgow.

Former HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Paddy Tomkins set out 15 recommendations on how responses to flood and water rescue can be improved.

Public safety minister Fergus Ewing said he was "pleased" that Mr Tomkins concluded there is no need for new legislation.

Mr Ewing said: "If we could eliminate all risk and make Scotland completely safe without reducing our quality of life, that would be exceptional."