Government U-turn sees coastguard stations saved

The coastguard stations at Stornoway on Lewis (frequently involved in mountain rescues) and in Shetland will remain open around the clock after a U-turn by UK government ministers. However, the Forth and Clyde bases are still set for closure.

The plans had been to retain the 24 hour base in Aberdeen, but to close one of either Shetland or Stornoway and reduce the hours of operation of the other. All three of these northern stations will now remain in operation 24 hours a day.

Scottish MSPs from both the SNH government and Labour opposition criticised the closure of the Forth and Clyde bases.

Philip Hammond, UK transport secretary, claimed in Parliament that plans would acheive efficiency savings, saying “Ministers have listened, responded and delivered.”