News / Hope fades as ETV deadline looms
THE COUNCIL’S political leader Josie Simpson is on his way to Edinburgh for a last ditch attempt to get a reprieve on the removal of the emergency towing vessels (ETVs) from the northern isles and The Minch.
Speaking before leaving the isles on Thursday morning, Mr Simpson admitted that such efforts were now almost beyond the 11th hour.
And northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael is on his way to London to learn if the coalition government has changed its mind on the hugely controversial issues at the very last minute.
ETV cover is now down to one vessel after the Anglian Sovereign was moved off station earlier this week. The Anglian Earl is still at Loch Eriboll, near Durness, and is due to be removed on Friday.
Mr Simpson said the conveners of the Scottish islands local authorities would meet on Thursday night in preparation for a formal meeting of the task force on Friday.
“I sincerely hope that there is some prospect that some sort of reprieve could still be achieved. We have to fight this to the very end.
“I hope we will get something back from the government before the end of the contract on Friday,” Mr Simpson said.
Meanwhile, councillor Jonathan Wills, who has written a book about the Braer oil spill, and is a long time campaigner for better marine safety said that emergency towing cover for the waters around the northern isles was more needed than ever before.
“Even before the Braer pollution disaster in 1993, the need for emergency tugs was obvious to anyone who took the trouble to study the subject. But it took us eight years of hard negotiations – by the then MP, the council, various environmental groups and the MCA’s Shetland marine safety sub-committee – to persuade the government that the tugs were an essential safety precaution.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
“All that has changed since the tugs were first hired is that the dangers around our coastline have multiplied.
“This is an act of gross irresponsibility. The government’s first duty is to protect the public. The removal of our northern isles tug cover, for squalid financial expediency, endangers lives, the environment and the economy.
“Loch Eriboll is too far from the north of Shetland for the tug to be of any practical use in an emergency.
“I cannot understand how our respected local MP Alistair Carmichael can remain in the government after this decision by a shipping minister whose ignorance is matched only by his arrogance.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.