Call for urgent action over Lewis tug removal

Environment secretary Rich-ard Lochhead has raised concerns with the UK government over the removal of an islands emergency towing vessel.

He has written to transport minister Mike Penning seeking assurances that arrangements for Stornoway, on Lewis in the Western Isles, will be “urgently brought forward”.

Mr Lochhead said that the tug had been 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 scrapped two tugs covering the Western Isles and the Northern Isles in the spending review last year.