‘Constructive’ talks held on future of emergency tugs

THE first meeting on the long-term future of Scotland’s emergency tug boat cover was “constructive”, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said yesterday.

The two emergency towing vessels (ETVs) were withdrawn from service by the UK government last month as a cost-cutting measure. But interim funding was secured for three months after the contract ended a fortnight ago.

A group set up to investigate long-term solutions for the tugs met for the first time yesterday in Edinburgh, chaired by Mr Moore.

Afterwards, he said: “This was a practical and constructive first meeting. We are determined to do everything we can to find a viable, long-term alternative.

“Our discussions were focused on what Scotland needs from its ETVs and what the options may be in finding a long-term replacement.

“We worked well across a wide range of interests, and I am confident we can put the huge level of expertise and experience represented on the group to good work.”

Among those attending the meeting were representatives of Shetland, Orkney, Highland and the Western Isles councils as well as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Department for Transport, Marine Scotland, the local authority maritime umbrella group Kimo and the Chamber of Shipping.

The MCA awarded the new 90-day contract last Friday, and the tugs were back on station at the weekend.

They help boats which get into difficulty, as and when required by the coastguard.