War of words breaks out over emergency tugs

THE row over the future of Scotland’s emergency tug boats continued yesterday, despite new funding being provided to replace vessels axed by the UK government.

The contracts for the emergency towing vessels (ETVs) in the Minch and off Orkney and Shetland ended on Friday after funding was withdrawn. Scottish Secretary Michael Moore yesterday confirmed up to £3 million interim funding would be provided to put boats in place for three months amid attempts to find a long-term solution.

But the SNP said replacement vessels were needed now and accused Westminster of “dithering”. Mr Moore, who was visiting Stornoway, said he was hopeful a replacement service could be put in place as soon as was practically possible.

“Everyone must be clear that this cannot be a long-term solution,” he said. “The majority of traffic in these waters is owned by private companies and we will be engaging with them and others to find a satisfactory alternative.”

But Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil said: “The UK government’s dithering and lack of urgency on this has placed everyone that uses Scottish waters for employment, transport and recreation into greater danger.”

The Scotland Office later responded to the “uninformed commentary” on the issue, saying: “It is positive news that further UK government funding has been found for a retained ETV presence and we would welcome Mr MacNeil’s constructive engagement on this issue.”