Confusion reigns over the future of emergency tugs

THE UK government was urged yesterday to end uncertainty over Scotland’s two emergency tugs.

It was announced on Friday that the emergency towing vessels (ETVs) in the Minch and off Orkney and Shetland had been saved.

It was believed the last-minute intervention would prolong the contracts for another three months.

However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said yesterday the two contracts ended at midnight on Friday and no new deal was in place.

Angus MacNeil, the Western Isles MP and party transport spokesman, said: “For years in opposition the Liberal Democrats complained about Labour cuts to the coastguard, but now they are in government they are presiding over disgraceful and dangerous cuts to crucial services.”

A Scotland Office spokesman said an announcement on the future contract is “imminent”.