Carmichael supports local emergency control room proposals

Calls for a single local emergency control room in the Northern Isles have been backed by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael.

His support comes after Shetland MSP Tavish Scott called for a Northern Isles emergency services centre which would coordinate all local call outs. The idea has received support from Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell who has stated the concept has merit and should be evaluated.

Last month, a decision was taken by the new respective Fire and Police Boards to close their control rooms in Inverness and Aberdeen. Mr Carmichael initially contacted Pat Watters, chairman of the Fire Board, in October last year to express concerns about the centralisation of the service.

Mr Carmichael said: “When these operations are moved away from local communities it means staff with little or no knowledge of the area are being asked to make vital decisions for an area they may be unfamiliar with. Any unexpected delays could be the difference between life and death. That was why when the closure of the Shetland Coastguard station was proposed I campaigned within government to save it. I was delighted that we were able to persuade the Marine Coastguard Agency to change their mind. This issue now is just the same although this time it is the Scottish Government that is removing the local service.

“A single operation involving Coastguard as well as the other rescue services would be a good way of resisting any future threat to any service. I shall be speaking to the secretary of state for transport Patrick McLoughlin to see what can be done from the Westminster end.

“Ultimately this is about saving lives — politics should not come into consideration. I fully support Tavish Scott’s effort to highlight alternatives that could benefit the isles. Convener Malcolm Bell’s support in principle for Tavish’s proposal is also very encouraging, given his wealth of experience in the emergency services.”