Scottish Emergency Tug Vehicle Group meets with Secretary of State for Scotland
The Scottish ETV Working Group met with the Secretary of State for Scotland on Thursday 1 March to discuss options for the continuation of emergency towing capabilities around the Northern and Western Isles. Members of the Group were informed of the discussions being taken forward by the Scotland Office to find a commercial partner for the North and a funding model for the West. There was a recognition that there were still a number of significant issues to be resolved but also an appreciation of the work that had been done to date. Nevertheless, The Group expressed strong concern that time was running out with regard to finding a replacement to the current contract, which is due to finish mid-end March 2012, and the need for work to continue with even greater urgency.
The Group agreed they would continue to engage constructively in the process and with the UK Government in its efforts to achieve a long term solution and welcomed Michael Moore’s commitment to continued discussions with Cabinet colleagues on this crucial issue.
Michael Moore said: “We had a constructive and useful meeting with the Scottish ETV Group in Edinburgh and continue to make good progress. We are also working with the oil and gas sector towards a specific solution for the Northern Isles. A number of challenges remain and I am grateful to everyone involved for their hard work to date. There will be a further meeting shortly which will look at the issue of future cover for the Western Isles.”
The Highland Council Leader, Cllr Michael Foxley said: “We have consistently maintained that this is a UK Government responsibility. We are pleased that the Scotland Office is taking this responsibility seriously and investing significant time and effort to reach a way forward. We will continue to push hard for progress to be made on this issue as it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident with the potential to cause catastrophic long term damage to our coastal environment, our communities and our economy.
Convener of Orkney Islands Council, Stephen Hagan, said: “I am heartened by the progress to date in the northern isles and by the Scottish Government’s willingness to engage with us fully. Good progress has been made but time is running out with the present short-term contract finishing at the end of March. Orkney will continue to work with our islands colleagues and the Scottish Government to secure suitable emergency tug cover for our remote and unique coastlines.”
The Group also welcomed the Secretary of State’s assurances that he would continue to seek engagement with all stakeholders including the Scottish Government and the commercial sector and all present acknowledged that all levels of Government - UK, Scottish and local - would benefit.
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