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Local News for Tuesday 6th September 2016

Emergency Tug decision ‘will not rest’
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has ruled out a second emergency towing vessel based in Scotland, it was announced yesterday. The decision’s been greeted with dismay in the Western Isles, after a 1500 signature petition was presented and politicians of all parties emphasised the role a second tug would have in protecting West Coast waters. Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan said: "If the oil rig going aground in Lewis does not illustrate to the UK government the dangers of not having any emergency towing vessel available on the west coast, I don’t know what will. It is deeply disappointing that reports are that the MCA have again ruled out reinstating this vessel. However inexplicable, it seems they are content with the idea that one vessel can answer incidents anywhere on Scotland’s vast coastline. This matter will not rest".

Read more: Local News for Tuesday 6th September 2016

Local News for Monday 5th September 2016

Police news
Two men have been charged with assault after a fight in Stornoway at 1am on Sunday. Police were called to licensed premises in the town centre and arrested the two men, aged 25 and 19. They’ve both been charged with assault and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Read more: Local News for Monday 5th September 2016

Local News for Thursday 25th August 2016

Rig finds safe anchorage in Broad Bay
The damaged oil rig Transocean Winner reached safe anchorage in Broad Bay at last yesterday afternoon, much later than anticipated, but without major concerns. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the rig was secure on her anchors and that rig owners Transocean intend to carry out further work to assess its condition before deciding on next moves. During the moves slow progress on the 54 miles between Dalmore and Broad Bay, verification aircraft flew over the route and said that no pollution was detected in Broad Bay or along the track from Dalmore Bay. A small leakage of diesel described yesterday as ‘a light sheen’ was broken up by counter-pollution boats.
While salvors check the sea bed for debris or damage, the temporary exclusion zone remains in place at Dalmore Bay. There is now also a 1000m exclusion zone at Broad Bay. Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvation and Intervention said: “The tow has taken longer than anticipated. We have been clear from the outset that we would not compromise the operation in any way so I am delighted that the 54 mile transit has been successfully completed without incident.”

Read more: Local News for Thursday 25th August 2016

Local News for Wednesday 24th August 2016

Rig movement goes to plan
The movement of the oil rig Transocean Winner from Dalmore looked set to be completed according to plan yesterday evening, as four tugs worked together to bring the rig round the Butt of Lewis and down to Broad Bay. The Union Bear, Union Princess, Forth Drummer and Forth Warrior were all alongside the rig as she rounded the Butt yesterday afternoon. A fifth tug, ER Vittoria, waited in position in Broad Bay to begin the process of anchoring the rig, while the original towing vessel Alp Forward stood by in Stornoway harbour during the operation.

Read more: Local News for Wednesday 24th August 2016

Local News for Friday 5th August 2016

Gale warning for weekend
An early warning was published yesterday by the Met Office, warning of strong winds over Saturday night and through Sunday. Wind speeds fo up to 50mph, with possible gusts of 60mph, are more likely to cause disruption in the summer months because more people are out and about outdoors, and the chief forecaster says there’s a strong likelihood of a period of ‘unseasonably strong’ winds.. The yellow ‘be aware’ warning, in place from 5am Sunday, says: “A period of strong winds across Scotland and northern England from late Saturday is most likely to peak on Sunday morning, before easing through Sunday afternoon.  Whilst the expected gusts of 45-50 mph and isolated 60 mph are not exceptional for these areas of the country, increased outdoor activity at this time of year will lead to a greater likelihood of disruption.”

Read more: Local News for Friday 5th August 2016