The UK Government has pledged to extend funding for Scotland’s emergency towing vessel (ETV) for five years – but critics are insisting a single tug is not enough.
There was an outcry over the possibility that the last remaining ETV could be scrapped.
Earlier this year, UK Government Transport Minister Robert Goodwill asked the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to look at alternative options for towing provision beyond that date.
It has been decided “there is a strong case for the UK Government to step in to allow this vital service to continue.”
The UK Government funds the vessel which provides assistance to ships around the Scottish coast.
Its contract was originally reinstated in 2011 but would have expired on September 30.
UK Government Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The ETV in Scotland saves lives and protects the Scottish coast from damaging pollution. I’m delighted to confirm the UK Government has secured its future by providing funding for the next five years.
“This service is absolutely critical to ensuring emergency services can respond swiftly to incidents off the coast of Scotland.”
The MCA review concluded the commercial towage market “cannot currently reliably meet the need for a dedicated service to cover the seas around Scotland.”
The vessel will help assist ships in difficulty and safeguard local communities and businesses against potential pollution incidents.
Sottish Secretary David Mundell said: “I’m very pleased that the UK Government can guarantee the future funding of the ETV stationed in the Northern Isles.
“The island councils have impressed upon us how important it is to maritime safety in the area. The UK Government has listened to what they have said, and is now able to secure the funding to maintain this vital safety vessel in the north of Scotland.”
Former Highland Council leader Michael Foxley, who fought a long campaign to have a second Scottish tug reinstated, welcomed the news but said it did not go far enough.
“We need one back in the Minches, we need one based at Stornoway,” he said.
“If there is only one it should certainly be active and not just tied up at Orkney. It should be crewed and fuelled up and on active service, and working in the waters between Orkney and Shetland and the middle of the Minches.”