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| New deal on emergency tug for Scotland until 2015 | New deal on emergency tug for Scotland until 2015 |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| The UK government will fund an emergency towing vessel to cover Scotland's coast until 2015. | The UK government will fund an emergency towing vessel to cover Scotland's coast until 2015. |
| Two tugs were hired by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to go to the aid of stricken vessels off Scotland's west and northern coasts. | Two tugs were hired by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to go to the aid of stricken vessels off Scotland's west and northern coasts. |
| The government moved to end the contracts in late 2011 before agreeing to short extensions until March 2012. | The government moved to end the contracts in late 2011 before agreeing to short extensions until March 2012. |
| The government said the new deal would be for a tug to work "around Scotland's coast as required". | The government said the new deal would be for a tug to work "around Scotland's coast as required". |
| It added that where the vessel was stationed would be agreed with the company eventually awarded the contract. | |
| The MCA would be in control of the operation and tasking of the tug. | |
| Scotland Secretary Michael Moore said: "As a government, we have listened closely to all the views which have been put forward in this process. | |
| "We have worked hard within the UK government with the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to find the best solution to maintain emergency towing vessel cover within the financial constraints we face." | |
| He added that talks were continuing with the oil and gas industry about it also providing help when needed using its vessels. | |
| Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) has welcomed the announcement. | |
| Previously, vessels such as the Anglian Sovereign were hired by the MCA. |