Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, was last night elected as Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Crofting at its first meeting of the new session of Parliament. Jamie takes over from the former Lib-Dem MSP John Farquhar Munro who retired at the election.
Commenting today Jamie, who shadows the Environment and Europe & External briefs for the Scottish Conservatives, said:
“ It is an honour to have been elected as Convenor of the Crofting Cross Party Group which has been one of the Parliament’s most active groups in recent years with excellent attendances and some influential and high profile speakers.
“ The group is a great forum for crofters from across the Highlands & Islands and their Scottish Crofting Federation representatives to engage with MSPs from all the political parties and it can make effective collective representations to Ministers.
“ I would also want to pay tribute to my predecessor John Farquhar Munro who was a champion for our crofting communities in the last three sessions of the Scottish Parliament.”
ENDs…
In addition to this Cross Party Group Convenorship, Jamie is a Vice-Convenor of the CPGs on Gaelic and Renewable Energy and a member of numerous others.
Further details on the work of the Crofting CPG in the last session of Parliament can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/crosspartygroups/groups/cpg-croft.htm
For any further information, please call Jamie’s office on 0131 348 5616
Thursday, 23 June 2011
SURVIVAL OF THE VILLAGE SHOP ON BBC ALBA
BBC ALBA Monday 27 June, 9pm
Village shops have been at the heart of communities for generations with almost every village having its own at one time. However, this has changed dramatically over the years and a BBC ALBA documentary ‘Trusadh: Buth a’ Bhaile/Village Shops’ will examine the reasons why, and explore the vital role that those which still survive, play in remote communities.
In the stunning, remote district of Uig in Lewis, the thriving shop is owned by the community themselves. We meet those who run it including local, Uig born and raised, Donald John Robertson, or Finn as he's better known, who delivers supplies to the scattered townships in the area in the shop van.
The Uig community co-operative shop, set 40 miles from Stornoway, injects money back into the community through salaries as well as providing an essential service in the provision of food, fuel and tourism facilities, including a commercial laundry service. The shop committee meets four times a year and have been advising other communities on how to set up community co-operatives.
Out on his daily delivery run Finn (Donald John Robertson) remarks: “The van was donated by someone in England, he gave it to the shop, which was very good of him. I’d say he was a secret millionaire.
“Some come into the shop but others phone in with their order, or email. Plenty of people can’t get to the shop but the van can get to their door. More often than not there’s a cup of tea waiting.”
In Laggan, in the Cairngorms National Park, the local village shop is very much a lifeline to the area, with the nearest town, Fort William, an hour’s drive away. Many people know the shop, Laggan Stores, as ‘McKechnies’ from the Monarch of the Glen Series. Locals say that ‘if you can’t buy it in Laggan Stores, you don’t need it.’ From fresh fish to wild bird food it’s all there.
Jo Cumming and Ian Hall are the current owners who took it over from the community eight years ago in a ‘mad moment’. They pride themselves on being open 8.30am to 8pm. Seven days a week.
Iain Seoras Rockliffe ‘Rocky’ goes there once a day for the ‘social side’ of things. Iain said: “There are some brilliant characters here. This [shop] is what keeps us going. This is what holds communities together. A small shop is like a way of life.”
For many such as the islanders of Eigg, getting supplies to the shop via ferry is one of their biggest challenges but on another Hebridean island, Eriskay, a causeway was built in 2002 which many thought would be the end of the local island shop. It's been anything but though, with a unique bus service making all the difference.
Bus user Mairi MacInnes said: “You see these old ladies. This is the day we do our shopping. It’s a social event! We all have a good chat.” Another bus user, Peigi MacInnes said: “You can get everything you need, from a needle to an anchor. You can get everything here.”
The programme also visits the award winning 'Mither Tongue' in Keith, Aberdeenshire which is not a typical village shop, selling gifts and cards for every occasion, all celebrating the Scots dialect, demonstrating how communities can be defined in many ways.
Produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA ‘Trusadh: Buth a’ Bhaile/Village Shops’ will be broadcast on Monday 27 June at 9pm.
Village shops have been at the heart of communities for generations with almost every village having its own at one time. However, this has changed dramatically over the years and a BBC ALBA documentary ‘Trusadh: Buth a’ Bhaile/Village Shops’ will examine the reasons why, and explore the vital role that those which still survive, play in remote communities.
In the stunning, remote district of Uig in Lewis, the thriving shop is owned by the community themselves. We meet those who run it including local, Uig born and raised, Donald John Robertson, or Finn as he's better known, who delivers supplies to the scattered townships in the area in the shop van.
The Uig community co-operative shop, set 40 miles from Stornoway, injects money back into the community through salaries as well as providing an essential service in the provision of food, fuel and tourism facilities, including a commercial laundry service. The shop committee meets four times a year and have been advising other communities on how to set up community co-operatives.
Out on his daily delivery run Finn (Donald John Robertson) remarks: “The van was donated by someone in England, he gave it to the shop, which was very good of him. I’d say he was a secret millionaire.
“Some come into the shop but others phone in with their order, or email. Plenty of people can’t get to the shop but the van can get to their door. More often than not there’s a cup of tea waiting.”
In Laggan, in the Cairngorms National Park, the local village shop is very much a lifeline to the area, with the nearest town, Fort William, an hour’s drive away. Many people know the shop, Laggan Stores, as ‘McKechnies’ from the Monarch of the Glen Series. Locals say that ‘if you can’t buy it in Laggan Stores, you don’t need it.’ From fresh fish to wild bird food it’s all there.
Jo Cumming and Ian Hall are the current owners who took it over from the community eight years ago in a ‘mad moment’. They pride themselves on being open 8.30am to 8pm. Seven days a week.
Iain Seoras Rockliffe ‘Rocky’ goes there once a day for the ‘social side’ of things. Iain said: “There are some brilliant characters here. This [shop] is what keeps us going. This is what holds communities together. A small shop is like a way of life.”
For many such as the islanders of Eigg, getting supplies to the shop via ferry is one of their biggest challenges but on another Hebridean island, Eriskay, a causeway was built in 2002 which many thought would be the end of the local island shop. It's been anything but though, with a unique bus service making all the difference.
Bus user Mairi MacInnes said: “You see these old ladies. This is the day we do our shopping. It’s a social event! We all have a good chat.” Another bus user, Peigi MacInnes said: “You can get everything you need, from a needle to an anchor. You can get everything here.”
The programme also visits the award winning 'Mither Tongue' in Keith, Aberdeenshire which is not a typical village shop, selling gifts and cards for every occasion, all celebrating the Scots dialect, demonstrating how communities can be defined in many ways.
Produced by MacTV for BBC ALBA ‘Trusadh: Buth a’ Bhaile/Village Shops’ will be broadcast on Monday 27 June at 9pm.
BBC ALBA Programme Highlights
Saturday 2 July – Friday 8 July 2011
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic – Na Seudan Og
Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh present Mairi MacInnes and na Seudan Og, recorded during Celtic Connections at the Glasgow Art Club.
Transmitted: Saturday 2 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Piping Live – Treacherous Orchestra
The Treacherous Orchestra kicking up a storm onstage at Glasgow’s Fruitmarket. From Piping Live 2010. Presented by Julie Fowlis.
Transmitted: Saturday 2 July
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Taghadh bho na Trads
Traditional music and chat featuring Trad Award winners Martin O’Neill and Iain Morrison.
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh: A’ Gheallach / The Moon
Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy and 40 years since the first moon landing. A look at the moon's effect on our planet and how space exploration has developed our understanding of it.
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dannsa
The latest Dannsa instalment, following six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including the Heavy Smokers, a street-dancing crew from Livingston, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the asylum seekers and refugees of the Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow, the over sixties at Dance Base in Edinburgh.
In this programme, Anne Morrison and Kevin Walker travel to meet aspiring hopefuls at The Space at Dundee College, home of the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance.
All groups along with their teachers and choreographers face the challenge of putting a special dance piece together for a show which will see all six groups showcasing their talents on the same stage for one night only. Renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Mr Andy Howitt will have the demanding task of incorporating all six groups for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.
Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Suil air 1979
A look back at some of the events of 1979 through archive film, music and people's personal memories. Included in tonight's programme: Margaret Thatcher's arrival in Downing Street, Radio nan Eilean opening and The Dukes of Hazzard premiering on
BBC 1.
Transmitted: Tuesday 5 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse: Saoghal na Bainnse / Wedding Business
Getting married in a foreign country is the new trend. In the last few years, Japanese and Americans increasingly got married abroad, in Hawaii for its sun and beaches, or in Paris for its romantic aspects. Others choose Cyprus where they can get married within 24 hours. We look at the wedding industry and the boom it has provided for travel and wedding agencies.
Transmitted: Wednesday 6 July
Time: 9.00 – 9.45pm
Title: Anns na Paipearean 1980
Derek Mackay takes a nostalgic look back at some of the stories featured in the Highland press in the year 1980.
Transmitted: Friday 8 July
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Cuirm @ Celtic – Na Seudan Og
Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh present Mairi MacInnes and na Seudan Og, recorded during Celtic Connections at the Glasgow Art Club.
Transmitted: Saturday 2 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Piping Live – Treacherous Orchestra
The Treacherous Orchestra kicking up a storm onstage at Glasgow’s Fruitmarket. From Piping Live 2010. Presented by Julie Fowlis.
Transmitted: Saturday 2 July
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Taghadh bho na Trads
Traditional music and chat featuring Trad Award winners Martin O’Neill and Iain Morrison.
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Trusadh: A’ Gheallach / The Moon
Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy and 40 years since the first moon landing. A look at the moon's effect on our planet and how space exploration has developed our understanding of it.
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Dannsa
The latest Dannsa instalment, following six different dance groups from around Scotland through the highs and lows of rehearsal, competition and performance. The groups are highly diverse in location, style, aspiration, age and accomplishment, including the Heavy Smokers, a street-dancing crew from Livingston, the teenage girls of the Fusion dance class in Aberdeen, the Ballet West school in Taynuilt, Oban, the asylum seekers and refugees of the Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow, the over sixties at Dance Base in Edinburgh.
In this programme, Anne Morrison and Kevin Walker travel to meet aspiring hopefuls at The Space at Dundee College, home of the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance.
All groups along with their teachers and choreographers face the challenge of putting a special dance piece together for a show which will see all six groups showcasing their talents on the same stage for one night only. Renowned Scottish contemporary choreographer Mr Andy Howitt will have the demanding task of incorporating all six groups for the end of series performance special at the Tramway Theatre in Glasgow.
Dannsa...........six groups, six different dance styles, one live dance show!
Transmitted: Monday 4 July
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Suil air 1979
A look back at some of the events of 1979 through archive film, music and people's personal memories. Included in tonight's programme: Margaret Thatcher's arrival in Downing Street, Radio nan Eilean opening and The Dukes of Hazzard premiering on
BBC 1.
Transmitted: Tuesday 5 July
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse: Saoghal na Bainnse / Wedding Business
Getting married in a foreign country is the new trend. In the last few years, Japanese and Americans increasingly got married abroad, in Hawaii for its sun and beaches, or in Paris for its romantic aspects. Others choose Cyprus where they can get married within 24 hours. We look at the wedding industry and the boom it has provided for travel and wedding agencies.
Transmitted: Wednesday 6 July
Time: 9.00 – 9.45pm
Title: Anns na Paipearean 1980
Derek Mackay takes a nostalgic look back at some of the stories featured in the Highland press in the year 1980.
Transmitted: Friday 8 July
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Olympic Torch
Argyll and Bute Council encourages residents to nominate inspirational people to carry the Olympic Flame
With less than one year to go until the Olympic Flame travels through Scotland as part of the UK wide Olympic Torch Relay Argyll and Bute is calling on people from across the local authority area to nominate inspirational members of their community to carry the Olympic Flame.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) recently confirmed that the Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers during the Relay, with 90% of the places being made available to the public through programmes run by LOCOG and the Three Presenting Partners – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.
The LOCOG ‘Moment to Shine’ campaign, which runs until 29 June 2011, invites people from across Argyll and Bute to put forward inspirational members of the public who have gone beyond their personal best for consideration as Torchbearers.
The nomination portal at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay asks nominators for up to 150 words on why their nominee should carry the Olympic Flame. Later this year, judging panels will be set up in each Nation and Region of the UK to select the Torchbearers for their area.
Rory Colville, spokesperson for third sector and communities at Argyll and Bute Council explained; ‘Giving the people of Argyll and Bute the chance to help shape the Olympic Torch Relay and play a key role in marking the start of the Olympic Games is an incredible opportunity. I know that there are many people here who deserve recognition for their contribution to life in Argyll and Bute. I urge people to think about who might deserve this opportunity and nominate them to be a Torchbearer. This is an opportunity to be part of a once in a lifetime event.’
Sir Craig Reedie, IOC Member and LOCOG Board Member said: ‘Carrying the Olympic Flame is an incredible honour and is an opportunity of for the people of Argyll and Bute to reward someone inspirational or who has made a difference to the local community by nominating them to be part of this historic event. ‘
Young people in particular from across the local authority area are encouraged to get involved, with half of the total number of Torchbearer places expected to go to people aged between 12 and 24 years of age.
The first Olympic Torch Relay route announcement in May 2011 revealed the locations of the Olympic Torch Relay’s evening celebrations in Scotland. A second, more detailed route announcement will be made later this year, providing information on the other cities, towns, villages and places of outstanding natural beauty, sports venues and community hubs the Olympic Flame will visit on each day of the Torch Relay in Scotland. It is LOCOG’s aim that 95% of the population will be within a one hour journey time of Relay and that Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame as close to home as possible.
The Olympic Flame will travel for approximately 12 hourseach day, concluding on 66 of the 70 days with an exciting early evening celebration event that will enable thousands of people each evening to enjoy a variety of entertainment and shows staged by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners with the support of the host Local Authority.
Nominations through the LOCOG campaign are open until 11.59pm on 29 June 2011 at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay
With less than one year to go until the Olympic Flame travels through Scotland as part of the UK wide Olympic Torch Relay Argyll and Bute is calling on people from across the local authority area to nominate inspirational members of their community to carry the Olympic Flame.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) recently confirmed that the Olympic Flame will be carried across the UK by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers during the Relay, with 90% of the places being made available to the public through programmes run by LOCOG and the Three Presenting Partners – Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.
The LOCOG ‘Moment to Shine’ campaign, which runs until 29 June 2011, invites people from across Argyll and Bute to put forward inspirational members of the public who have gone beyond their personal best for consideration as Torchbearers.
The nomination portal at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay asks nominators for up to 150 words on why their nominee should carry the Olympic Flame. Later this year, judging panels will be set up in each Nation and Region of the UK to select the Torchbearers for their area.
Rory Colville, spokesperson for third sector and communities at Argyll and Bute Council explained; ‘Giving the people of Argyll and Bute the chance to help shape the Olympic Torch Relay and play a key role in marking the start of the Olympic Games is an incredible opportunity. I know that there are many people here who deserve recognition for their contribution to life in Argyll and Bute. I urge people to think about who might deserve this opportunity and nominate them to be a Torchbearer. This is an opportunity to be part of a once in a lifetime event.’
Sir Craig Reedie, IOC Member and LOCOG Board Member said: ‘Carrying the Olympic Flame is an incredible honour and is an opportunity of for the people of Argyll and Bute to reward someone inspirational or who has made a difference to the local community by nominating them to be part of this historic event. ‘
Young people in particular from across the local authority area are encouraged to get involved, with half of the total number of Torchbearer places expected to go to people aged between 12 and 24 years of age.
The first Olympic Torch Relay route announcement in May 2011 revealed the locations of the Olympic Torch Relay’s evening celebrations in Scotland. A second, more detailed route announcement will be made later this year, providing information on the other cities, towns, villages and places of outstanding natural beauty, sports venues and community hubs the Olympic Flame will visit on each day of the Torch Relay in Scotland. It is LOCOG’s aim that 95% of the population will be within a one hour journey time of Relay and that Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame as close to home as possible.
The Olympic Flame will travel for approximately 12 hourseach day, concluding on 66 of the 70 days with an exciting early evening celebration event that will enable thousands of people each evening to enjoy a variety of entertainment and shows staged by LOCOG and the three Presenting Partners with the support of the host Local Authority.
Nominations through the LOCOG campaign are open until 11.59pm on 29 June 2011 at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay
MPs reject Government’s plans for future shape of the Coastguard Service
The Government should withdraw its controversial proposals to modernise the Coastguard Service, says the influential cross-party Transport Committee. Serious concerns were raised that the safety of people at sea, on cliffs and beaches will be jeopardised if the proposals proceed in their current form. Ministers must issue revised proposals for further consultation.
Launching the report, Transport Committee Chair Louise Ellman said: “We accept there is a need for some modernisation, but the Government’s proposals for the future of the Coastguard Service are seriously flawed.
“We found little support for the current proposals and we have no confidence that, under these proposals, the Coastguard will in future be able to respond to emergencies at sea as well as they do now, let alone in a more effective way.”
“A drastic reduction in the number of rescue co-ordination centres will result in a loss of local knowledge amongst coastguard officers who are responsible for taking calls from people and vessels in distress. The Committee is not convinced by the Government’s claim that technology can, at present, replace such local knowledge.”
“Whilst there is a case for reducing the total number of rescue co-ordination centres, any future reorganisation of the Coastguard should be based on 24-hour centres, as they are now, and not on stations open only during daylight hours, as the Government proposes”.
The Committee also strongly condemns the Government’s cost-cutting decision to withdraw funding for the four Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) stationed around the UK coast—large tugs that intercept disabled ships to prevent environmental pollution disasters.
“We found no evidence that a suitable commercial alternative for these tugs exists. The Government’s decision to withdraw funding for the ETVs is unwise and short-sighted - quite literally, it is inviting disaster,” says Louise Ellman.
The Transport Committee also criticises proposals to completely remove government funding for the Maritime Incident Response group (MIRG), a national fire-fighting-at-sea capability. Ministers should instead adopt a slimmed-down MIRG which is more cost-effective than the present arrangement.
Lastly, the committee records its disappointment that Mike Penning MP, Minister for Shipping, instructed regular coastguards not to give oral evidence to the Committee on the basis that they were junior civil servants. “The minister should have shown more faith in the professionalism of the coastguards and stuck by his original commitment to the House [of Commons] to let them give evidence to the Committee,” adds Louise Ellman.
Notes for editors
Louise Ellman will present the Report on the floor of the House of Commons on Thursday 23 June. This can be viewed at: www.parliamentlive.tv
The structure of Her Majesty’s Coastguard is currently based on 18 Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) around the UK, which are grouped into nine pairs: Aberdeen; Belfast; Brixham; Clyde; Falmouth; Forth; Holyhead; Humber; Liverpool; Milford Haven; Portland; Solent; Shetland; Stornoway; Swansea; Thames; Yarmouth.
Coastguard staff in the MRCCs provide a 24-hour service to mariners and coastal users by receiving incoming distress calls and tasking appropriate resources to their rescue. The rescue unit personnel are often volunteer coastguards.
Under current proposals the Maritime & Coastguard Agency - the Government agency responsible for maritime response - plans to close ten of these centres and to leave three that remain open on a 24-hour basis and five that will operate in “daylight” hours only. Under these arrangements two Maritime Operations Centres (MOCs) will be equipped to manage all incidents wherever they might occur. These would be located at Aberdeen and the Southampton/Portsmouth area. In addition, a 24-hour centre will operate at Dover looking over the Channel traffic separation scheme. The five sub-centres to operate during daylight hours will be located at Falmouth, Humber and Swansea, Belfast or Liverpool and Shetland or Stornoway.
The minister expects to make a final decision before the summer but has said he would not do so until the Committee published its findings.
As part of its inquiry, the Committee visited coastguard centres at Falmouth, Clyde and Stornoway on 18–19 May.
Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) were first introduced into service in 1994 on the recommendation of Lord Donaldson whose report into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping followed the Braer and Sea Empress tanker disasters. Four such vessels are currently stationed in the Dover Straits, the south west approaches, the Minches and the Fair Isle Channel.
The Maritime Incident Response (MIRG) is a partnership between the MCA and the Fire and Rescue Service. It was formed in April 2006, to respond to incidents at sea for which fire-fighting, chemical hazard and/or rescue teams are required. It has attended seven incidents at sea since its inception. Following October’s Spending Review, it was decided that the arrangements for the MIRG should be reviewed. It is estimated that the ending the MIRG provision would save the Department £340,000 annually. The money for a future service will no longer be included in the agency’s budget allocation from September 2011.
Launching the report, Transport Committee Chair Louise Ellman said: “We accept there is a need for some modernisation, but the Government’s proposals for the future of the Coastguard Service are seriously flawed.
“We found little support for the current proposals and we have no confidence that, under these proposals, the Coastguard will in future be able to respond to emergencies at sea as well as they do now, let alone in a more effective way.”
“A drastic reduction in the number of rescue co-ordination centres will result in a loss of local knowledge amongst coastguard officers who are responsible for taking calls from people and vessels in distress. The Committee is not convinced by the Government’s claim that technology can, at present, replace such local knowledge.”
“Whilst there is a case for reducing the total number of rescue co-ordination centres, any future reorganisation of the Coastguard should be based on 24-hour centres, as they are now, and not on stations open only during daylight hours, as the Government proposes”.
The Committee also strongly condemns the Government’s cost-cutting decision to withdraw funding for the four Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) stationed around the UK coast—large tugs that intercept disabled ships to prevent environmental pollution disasters.
“We found no evidence that a suitable commercial alternative for these tugs exists. The Government’s decision to withdraw funding for the ETVs is unwise and short-sighted - quite literally, it is inviting disaster,” says Louise Ellman.
The Transport Committee also criticises proposals to completely remove government funding for the Maritime Incident Response group (MIRG), a national fire-fighting-at-sea capability. Ministers should instead adopt a slimmed-down MIRG which is more cost-effective than the present arrangement.
Lastly, the committee records its disappointment that Mike Penning MP, Minister for Shipping, instructed regular coastguards not to give oral evidence to the Committee on the basis that they were junior civil servants. “The minister should have shown more faith in the professionalism of the coastguards and stuck by his original commitment to the House [of Commons] to let them give evidence to the Committee,” adds Louise Ellman.
Notes for editors
Louise Ellman will present the Report on the floor of the House of Commons on Thursday 23 June. This can be viewed at: www.parliamentlive.tv
The structure of Her Majesty’s Coastguard is currently based on 18 Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) around the UK, which are grouped into nine pairs: Aberdeen; Belfast; Brixham; Clyde; Falmouth; Forth; Holyhead; Humber; Liverpool; Milford Haven; Portland; Solent; Shetland; Stornoway; Swansea; Thames; Yarmouth.
Coastguard staff in the MRCCs provide a 24-hour service to mariners and coastal users by receiving incoming distress calls and tasking appropriate resources to their rescue. The rescue unit personnel are often volunteer coastguards.
Under current proposals the Maritime & Coastguard Agency - the Government agency responsible for maritime response - plans to close ten of these centres and to leave three that remain open on a 24-hour basis and five that will operate in “daylight” hours only. Under these arrangements two Maritime Operations Centres (MOCs) will be equipped to manage all incidents wherever they might occur. These would be located at Aberdeen and the Southampton/Portsmouth area. In addition, a 24-hour centre will operate at Dover looking over the Channel traffic separation scheme. The five sub-centres to operate during daylight hours will be located at Falmouth, Humber and Swansea, Belfast or Liverpool and Shetland or Stornoway.
The minister expects to make a final decision before the summer but has said he would not do so until the Committee published its findings.
As part of its inquiry, the Committee visited coastguard centres at Falmouth, Clyde and Stornoway on 18–19 May.
Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) were first introduced into service in 1994 on the recommendation of Lord Donaldson whose report into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping followed the Braer and Sea Empress tanker disasters. Four such vessels are currently stationed in the Dover Straits, the south west approaches, the Minches and the Fair Isle Channel.
The Maritime Incident Response (MIRG) is a partnership between the MCA and the Fire and Rescue Service. It was formed in April 2006, to respond to incidents at sea for which fire-fighting, chemical hazard and/or rescue teams are required. It has attended seven incidents at sea since its inception. Following October’s Spending Review, it was decided that the arrangements for the MIRG should be reviewed. It is estimated that the ending the MIRG provision would save the Department £340,000 annually. The money for a future service will no longer be included in the agency’s budget allocation from September 2011.
"Tackling decline in stock numbers must be a priority" - McGrigor
Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, today urged the Scottish Government to make retaining and indeed boosting the numbers of sheep and cattle being farmed in the rural and island areas of Scotland a key priority.
Jamie made the call during a Scottish Parliamentary debate on rural and environmental affairs where he also sought assurances on the impact of the electronic identification of sheep on producers. In addition, he called for more detail on how the SNP government will implement the Pack Inquiry recommendations to reform the Common Agricultural Policy. Jamie also covered Common Fisheries Policy reform, aquaculture and angling.
Jamie, who is the Scottish Conservative Environment Spokesman, said:
“ Retaining and indeed boosting stock numbers in our remote, rural and island communities- with all the connected infrastructure that accompanies the keeping of livestock- is one of my priorities and must be one for the Scottish Government too, especially after the worrying declines of the last few years.”
Jamie made the call during a Scottish Parliamentary debate on rural and environmental affairs where he also sought assurances on the impact of the electronic identification of sheep on producers. In addition, he called for more detail on how the SNP government will implement the Pack Inquiry recommendations to reform the Common Agricultural Policy. Jamie also covered Common Fisheries Policy reform, aquaculture and angling.
Jamie, who is the Scottish Conservative Environment Spokesman, said:
“ Retaining and indeed boosting stock numbers in our remote, rural and island communities- with all the connected infrastructure that accompanies the keeping of livestock- is one of my priorities and must be one for the Scottish Government too, especially after the worrying declines of the last few years.”
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