Lerwick coastguard station to be retained

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed the announcement that the coastguard station at Lerwick is to be retained on a 24 hour basis, after the publication of the government’s response to the public consultation on MCA modernisation proposals.

The Department for Transport confirmed today that Scotland will retain three coastguard stations, with Stornoway and Aberdeen operating alongside Lerwick on a 24-hour basis.

Under original modernisation proposals put forward by the MCA, Aberdeen was set to have been the only 24 hour station in Scotland. One from either Lerwick and Stornoway would also have remained open during daylight hours.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said: “People in Shetland had a very clear view that nothing less than twenty-four 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.”