Tugs support urgent, says MSP

The rural affairs and environment secretary has called on the UK government to move forward with the funding plans for Scotland’s two coastguard tugs.

Richard Lochhead called for a long-term solution to be put in place for the Western Isles and Shetland emergency towing vessels.

His comments follows news on Friday that the UK government had found £3 million to provide interim funding for the next three months for a short-term replacement.

It is understood the two tugs were withdrawn from service on Friday after the contract ended. A short-term replacement may involve either or both vessels.

Full details on funding are expected to be announced shortly.

Mr Lochhead, who is an SNP MSP for Moray, said: “Our latest information indicates that the tugs are not yet back on duty – leaving Scotland’s coastline at risk.

“I am glad that a three-month reprieve is to be forthcoming, but as these are emergency response tugs we need the UK government to progress this as soon as possible and get our vital tugs back in place protecting both our mariners and the environment.

“We also need a long-term solution in place. It is just not good enough to cut an important service with no replacement. Decisions which may harm our coastline should not be made for cost cutting reasons.”

On Friday night, a Scotland Office spokesman said: “The UK government believes it is worth a final attempt to find a solution and the Scotland Office will lead the effort.”

Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander were in talks with the UK government about continuing the funding of the tugs and a campaign was launched against their withdrawal.