ALEXANDER WELCOMES RENEWAL OF EMERGENCY TUG SERVICE FOR THE HIGHLANDS
12-Jun-2012
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander welcomed the latest announcement from the Scottish Office - that funding for Emergency Towing will be reinstated.
The tugs, used to pull stricken vessels away from danger and hazardous shorelines, provide essential security for some of the country's most important shipping routes. However, many Highland communities feared that they had seen the end of the emergency tug service, after funding was withdrawn in 2010.
Local campaigners argued that the service was vital to help prevent catastrophes – like the MV Braer oil spill, off Shetland, in 1993. The UK Government today (Tuesday 12th) announced that it will reinstate the funding for an Emergency Towing Service in the Highlands - the latest funding will secure the service for the rest of the Spending Review up to 2015.
Highland MP Danny Alexander says:
"We cannot underestimate the job that sea going emergency services do for our communities. It is good news that the Government has taken this opportunity to listen to local people and made the decision to renew the service.
"Work in the North Sea and the Atlantic is only set to rise, as new opportunities in renewable energy; oil and gas; transport; and fishing add value to one of our countries most important resources. It is crucial that we continue support the communities who rely on the sea for their income."
ENDS
