Highland MSP John Farquhar Munro has again expressed his opposition to the government’s decision to cut rescue tugboats.

The four emergency tugs, based in the Northern Isles, Western Isles, and Southwest England in the Dover Straits, are to be axed with a saving of £32m over four and a half years.

It is the government’s opinion that the private sector should pay for tugs and any salvage related activities.

Following a meeting yesterday with Shipping Minister Mike Penning, Mr. Munro said:

“These tugs were commissioned on the recommendation of Lord Donaldson after the 1996 Sea Empress and 1993 Braer disasters, which they could have prevented.

“Today’s fire upon the fish processing vessel, the Athena, emphasises how important these tugs are when something goes wrong at sea. While a tug has not been sent to aid the Athena yet, all of the tugs the government proposes to cut are equipped with fire fighting equipment.

“Recent maritime events highlight how vital these tugs are to ensuring the safety of Scotland’s shores and the safety of all those who work on ships.”