Highlands and Islands leaders press again for ETV cover.

The UK Government has been urged to tender for a second emergency towing vessel to police the waters around the Highlands and Islands.

The plea comes from the Highlands and Islands Conveners’ Group, with support from local harbour masters and KIMO, the international local authorities environmental organisation,  who remain convinced that without 2 ETVs on permanent stand-by, the risk of an avoidable disaster becomes ever more likely, particularly with the onset of bad weather. 

The Group has written to the Rt Hon Michael Moore, Secretary of State for Scotland, urging action from the Government.

During the summer the Group offered a cautious welcome to the Government’s decision to reintroduce a single Government-funded ETV until at least 2015 and qualified support to efforts to reach an agreement with UK Oil and Gas for an industry-led solution to supplement this state provision.

The Highlands and Islands authorities are seeking assurances that the Government does not intend to go back on this earlier commitment and withdraw the provision at the end of the current financial year.

Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of the Highland Council said: “It is vital that our waters are protected and the onset of winter makes this even more pressing.  The UK Government promised there would be no reduction in coverage, but we are disappointed at the pace of progress so far.  We remain committed to working positively with the Government but this can only be done by the engagement of all sides in reaching a successful outcome.”

The Chair of KIMO, Councillor Len Scoullar, Argyll and Bute Council, said: “Scotland's Northern waters must be adequately protected through the harsh winter. The Government has had ample time to make alternative arrangements for the provision of a second tug in Scotland and failed. KIMO insist that the second tug, valuable protection to our environment and economy, is reinstated as soon as possible.”

Councillor Gary Robinson, Leader of Shetland Islands Council, said: ”With future developments in offshore renewables and oil and gas exploration expanding into ever more hostile environments, it is crucial that the government ensures that appropriate measures are in place to protect our environment and economies.  I remain convinced that this can only be accomplished by the provision of  two emergency towing vessels to protect our waters, and would urge the government to resolve this matter as quickly as possible."

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