ETV to be stationed in Orkney

ORKNEY Islands Council has welcomed a decision that the only emergency towing vessel for the waters around the northern and western isles of Scotland is set to be based in Orkney.

The Herakles, formerly known as the Anglian Prince, has previously been commissioned as  an ETV in the area.

OIC vice convener Jim Foubister said: “To have the vessel stationed in Orkney is the best possible outcome.

“From Orkney the ETV will be centrally placed to provide cover for the entire area – from the Minches in the west to Shetland in the north.”

Following massive political pressure the UK government announced last month that it will continue to fund an ETV up to 2015.