Commenting on Paddy Tomkins’ review into Scotland’s water safety capabilities, Liberal Democrat MP for Argyll and Bute Alan Reid said: “This report has come not a moment too soon. After the tragic accident at Loch Awe in April, it was vital to reform Scotland’s inland water rescue capabilities.

“First and foremost public education on water safety is important. People need to know the dangers around lochs, rivers and canals.

“I also welcome the national register of freshwater assets. The Loch Awe tragedy showed the importance of this when the Strathclyde emergency services called on the Fire Brigade’s rescue craft at Renfrew and were unaware of the much closer Glencoe Mountain Rescue craft because it was across the border in Highland.

“The Scottish Government needs to take this report forward and coordinate all the agencies, including the voluntary and private sector organisations which make such a valuable contribution.

“This kind of confusion cannot happen again.”