News / Shetland Coastguard station saved
SHETLAND coastguard station will be retained on a 24 hour basis alongside those in Stornoway and Aberdeen, the UK government announced on Thursday.
The change of heart comes after a seven month long campaign from irate islanders who argued that reducing the coastguard capabilities in the northern and western isles would be an irresponsible and dangerous act.
Campaigners have welcomed the move saying they were pleased that their concerns had been listened to.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency had originally proposed to retain Aberdeen as the only 24 hour station in Scotland with either Shetland or Stornoway reduced to daytime only.
On Thursday transport secretary Philip Hammond confirmed that Scotland will keep three 24 hour a day coastguard stations at Lerwick, Stornoway and Aberdeen.
Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael, who sits in the coalition Cabinet, said he had worked closely with government ministers and officials to make take on board local concerns
He said the government had promised to listen and added that Thursday’s announcement showed that this was not an empty promise.
“People in Shetland had a very clear view that nothing less than 24 hour stations in Lerwick and Stornoway would be acceptable. I took that message to the heart of government. Ministers have listened, responded and delivered. I am delighted.
“I have also argued for many years that the professionalism and hard work of our coastguards needs to be better reflected in their pay and working conditions. I am pleased that we now have the prospect of real action on this issue at last.
“Local coastguards ran a magnificent campaign which showed just how highly their professionalism and dedication is valued by local people. The strength of local feeling as demonstrated by the petition and turnout at public meetings was an enormous assistance to me in prosecuting the case at Westminster.
Shetland MSP Tavish Scott said that at long last common sense had prevailed.
“It was inconceivable that Shetland wouldn’t have a 24 hour, seven days a week fully operational coastguard station.
“I pay tribute to the coastguard staff and volunteers across Shetland who have gone through so many months of needless worry.
“Their campaign, one supported by the entire Shetland community, has been well argued, constructive and ultimately successful.”
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