The UK Government has backed down and handed a temporary reprieve to the emergency tug covering northern Scotland – but the move was branded a “short-term fix”.
The contract for the Orkney-based emergency towing vessel (ETV) was due to end next month, but Transport Minister Robert Goodwill announced in the Commons that it would be extended until September.
It marked the latest in a series of twists in the story of the ETVs, which were recommended by Lord Donaldson in his report into the sinking of the Braer oil tanker in 1993.
The UK Government announced in 2010 that the funding for two tugs at Shetland and Stornoway was being pulled – but ended up spending more than £600,000 extra hiring temporary replacements after the move provoked uproar.
Ministers partially backed down and reinstated one of the tugs, to be based at Orkney.
The government was expected to axe that vessel at the end of next month, but has now performed another U-turn.
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur remained concern about the long-term provision of the tug.
“Although it is welcome news that the UK Government will extend the emergency towing vessel contract in Kirkwall it is little more than a short term fix,” he said.
“It is time for the UK Government to end the constant uncertainty and confirm the long-term future for the emergency towing vessel. Anything less would be to completely disregard the interests of our island communities.”
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “This decision goes some way to the UK Government acknowledging the risks we face from extreme weather, treacherous coastlines, hazardous tides and the transportation of fuel and nuclear material in our northern waters and therefore the huge importance of maintaining the presence of this capability in the north.”
Ian Blackford, SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said: “I am grateful that the Orkney vessel is being kept on for the next six months, but please let us make sure we get a solution that protects all our communities.
“That means the re-establishment of a two-vessel solution for the north and the west of Scotland.”
Mr Goodwill said: “We may find that a longer-term solution rests not on one approach, but on a combination of options. I want to give the MCA time and space to work through all reasonable options with the stakeholders to find a longer-term solution.”