Coastguard cuts to be debated at Holyrood

CONCERNS over plans to cut the number of Coastguard stations in Scotland are to be debated by MSPs.

Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has secured a debate at Holyrood on 27 January calling on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to abandon its plans.

The proposal is to cut the five full-time Coastguard stations to only one, in Aberdeen. The Forth and Clyde stations will be axed and those at Shetland and Stornoway will have to fight to be chosen to provide an emergency service only during daylight hours.

Mr Allan said: "This debate will, I hope, provide an opportunity for MSPs of all parties to make clear their opposition to the drastic cuts being proposed."