Highlands and Islands local authorities joint statement on tugs

Leaders of the four Highland, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Councils - Councillors Dr Michael Foxley, Angus Campbell, Stephen Hagan and Josey Simpson issued a joint statement today (30 September 2011) on tugs.

They said: "The four Highlands and Islands local authorities have worked incredibly hard to try to persuade the UK Government to reverse its decision on the tugs.  We remain wholly committed to this shared goal and are very disappointed that it appears the contract is indeed being allowed to end today.  We have made it clear that this is a UK Government responsibility and so we are calling on Ministers one last time to reconsider their position and to commit to a new contract for two tugs that will provide the essential protection from environmental, human and economic disaster that our coastal communities deserve."