Gibson labels Coastguard proposal as 'Totally Irresponsible'

News release immediate release


16/12/10

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has labeled the UK Government as 'totally irresponsible' following reports that it is considering leaving Scotland with one fully operating Coast
Guard Station.


Mr Gibson comments come after a proposal from the UK transport Department to save costs by leaving one main control centre at Aberdeen, with a second station operating in daylight hours at either Shetland or Stornoway.


Mr Gibson also criticised the announcement that the future of sea and rescue services


Mr Gibson said...


"This is totally irresponsible from the UK Government, they are putting cost savings ahead of savings lives which could have disastrous effects on shipping around Scotland."


"The sinking of the Jambo, and of course the Braer disaster are just tow examples of why there needs to be two full time Coastguard stations. I dread to think what the consequences will be if either one is closed. With the proposal to get rid of important tugs around the Coastline then this decision can be seen as a double whammy, which makes Scotland's coast more

dangerous."


"If the Stornoway station goes then it will put serious question marks over the safety of the area which it cover from Ardnamurchan to Cape Wrath and the Western Isles, areas known to be extremely hazardous for shipping. The water around, Fair Isle, Orkney and Shetland are also extremely precarious. In the future it is very likely, given the renewable revolution, that these waters will see an increase in usage, so it beggars belief that there could be a reduction in coverage. I would urge the UK Government to think again on this particular cost cutting initiative".


"Indeed the proposal to keep the station open in daylight makes no sense. In Shetland you near enough have the midnight sun, and it stays brighter later in Stornoway in the summer as well.


Conversely in Winter the daylight is very short, it makes no sense what so ever."

ENDS