Tornado crash highlights importance of local emergency services

The Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Michael Foxley, says the crash landing of the Tornado aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth in the Minch off Gairloch on Thursday afternoon highlights the importance of local emergency services being on hand to respond to major incidents.

He said: “This is the third major incident in as many months in the Minches. It just shows how essential these rescue services are. They are life savers.  Together with the Western Isles Council, we will be fighting very hard to retain the Coastguard and emergency tug services in Stornoway.  We have a meeting with the Shipping Minister, Mike Penning, on Monday 7 February when we will be highlighting the vital importance of maintaining these lifeline services. We will be suggesting how some savings can be achieved and some additional work that can be carried out by the rescue services.”