Welcome to the unofficial website for the Stornoway Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), better known as Stornoway Coastguard. The site is written, maintained and paid for by the staff at Stornoway Coastguard, with contributions from the Coastguard Rescue Teams within the district.
The website was originally started to assist with the campaign to stop the threatened closure of the MRCC in 2010 and will now provide useful information about the MRCC and the area which we guard.
The website will be undergoing alterations over the coming months so please keep coming back to see what's new. If there is anything that you would like to see on the site then please use the contact form to put forward your suggestions.
Stornoway MRCC
The Coastguard station in Stornoway maintains a 24 hour watch over the Northwest of Scotland and the Northeastern Atlantic Ocean.
The staff respond to all types of emergencies including calls from vessels in distress or needing assistance, walkers and climbers on the hills and mountains of Skye and the mainland, medical evacuation of NHS patients from remote areas, investigating reports of vessels or people overdue to assisting the other emergency services when call upon.
Aside from the emergency response we also provide weather and navigational information to shipping with regular Weather Information Broadcasts every 4 hours throughout the day, these include the latest Inshore Waters Forecast and current Gale Warnings for the area. Twice a day we broadcast the Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcast which also includes the Shipping Forecast, Subfacts (for submarine activity), navigation warnings and the 3-day Fishing Forecast (October to March only).
As well as this we also monitor and take transit reports from vessels over 300 gross tonnes which travel through the Minch. These vessels make four radio reports to use at set locations during their passage through the area, including the Traffic Separation Scheme at Neist Point, Skye.
More details can be found on other pages of the website.
Future Coastguard Announced The results of the second part of the MCA consultation has been announced in the House of Commons by Mike Penning MP, Shipping Minister. There will be 24 hour coastguard stations at Stornoway, Shetland, Aberdeen, Humber, Dover, Falmouth, Milford Haven, Holyhead and Belfast. There will also be a new Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham, Hampshire.
Future of this website The Save Stornoway Coastguard website will be turned into the "unofficial" Stornoway Coastguard website and will be run by the staff of the station to give a better understanding about what we do and what's happening within the Coastguard and as a centre of information about the Stornoway station.
We all hope you will continue to visit the site and enjoy the new content.
Consultation Part 2 Begins On the 14th July 2011 the Government announced a 12 week consultation period for the amended plans for the future of the Coastguard Service.
Under the last proposals both Stornoway and Shetland Coastguard stations will remain as 24 hour operations.
You can read the full document on the MCA Website and you can respond to this consultation in the same way as the first.
Transport Committee Release Report The Government's Transport Committee released its report into the Coastguard, ETV's and MIRG on the 23rd June.
The findings are in line with the concerns expressed by the Stornoway Campaign and are worth reading.
See our press release and link to the full report on our Media page.
Stornoway & Shetland Petition Delivered to No10 Representatives from the campaign to save the Coastguard stations in Stornoway and Shetland handed over petitions totalling 29,000 signatures to No10 on Tuesday 7th June.
They were join by Western Isles Council Leader Angus Campbell, Shetland Isles Council Leader Josie Simpson and Western Isle MP Angus MacNeil and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland Ann McKechin.
After the presentation in Downing Street, the group met with MPs from all parties at the Houses of Parliament who turned out to show their support for the campaign.
Full story is on Press Release page.
L-R: Josie Simpson, Martin Collins,Angus MacNeil, Lee Coutts, Angus Campbell, Ann McKechin, Rhoda MacDonald
Joint Consultation Response Released Following the close of the MCA consultation response period, those behind the campaign to save Stornoway Coastguard have released their submission to the consultation.
The submission document was put together as a joint effort between Stornoway and Shetland and contains ideas from both stations.
You can read the full document by clicking on this link: Stornoway/Shetland Consultation Response
Stornoway MarchIn a damp and blustery Stornoway, to the sounds of a pipe band and the blast of the fog horn from the Ferry Isle of Lewis, an estimated 200 people turned out for the March & Rally in support of Stornoway Coastguard.
Young and old, serving and ex-Coastguards marched from the Stornoway Town Hall to the Coastguard Station at Battery Point where Alastair Allan MSP and Council Leader Angus Campbell gave spoke to the crowd.
Those who took part in the march also donated £221 for a local 7 year old, Emily Tearse from Coll on Lewis, who is undergoing treatment at York Hill Hospital in Glasgow for Adult Leukaemia. The money will go to her parents to help them with travel and accommodation in Glasgow.
Stornoway Campaigners visit WestminsterThree campaigners from the Safety First Campaign went to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 16th March for a meeting at the Scotland Office and to lobby MPs about the Coastguard modernisation plans. Carol Collins, Dave Macbeth and Martin Collins were hosted by Angus MacNeil MP who took time out of his busy schedule to speak at the lobby with other MPs from around the country.
Full story is on Press Release page.
Mike Penning MP to Visit Western Isles The Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP, who announced the MCA's consultation proposals in Westminster, is to visit the Western Isles on Wednesday 16th March.
He plans to speak with Coastguards at the MRCC in Stornoway and meet with Councillors. He will then be going on to Shetland for meetings in Lerwick.
Closing date for MCA Consultation extended to 5th May Shipping Minister, Mike Penning, announced in the House of Commons on 10th March that the closing date for submissions to the MCA's consultation has been extended from the 24th March to the 5th May.
This gives those who have not yet responded an extra 6 weeks in which to do so. It means that submissions to the Transport Select Committee will also have closed by this time. Safety First is encouraging people to send their responses to the Transport Select Committee as well as the MCA.
An Email from Griff Rhys JonesDear Stornoway Coastguard,
Just to say the details of your campaign were passed on to me.
I am shocked that these cuts seem to be planned at all. I know everybody is talking about front line services, but this is certainly the front line if anything is. This is the middle of a recurring and never-ending battle and human lives are at risk.
As anybody who goes to sea around Britain knows, the coastguard and rescue services are without parallel. They serve a vital function.
I believe that we should be cutting unnecessary expense, but is the government really prepared to have people lives on its conscience. Griff Rhys Jones
MCA Announce Public Meetings The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have announced that they will host a public meeting in Ullapool concerning the modernisation proposals.
In a statement the MCA said; "The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the local communities around the existing Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) to hear more about the proposals, ask questions of MCA representatives and have the opportunity to express their views." The Ullapool meeting will be on Wednesday 16th March at 7:30pm in the Macphail Centre, Mill Street, Ullapool.
Isles FM: On Watch with Stornoway Coastguard Anyone who uses the waters of the west coast and islands of Scotland is familiar with the sound of Stornoway Coastguard, broadcasting weather and navigation warnings to sailors and fishermen.
But how many people know what goes on INSIDE the Coastguard station?
Isles FM Head of News Annie Delin joined A Watch in the operations room of Stornoway Coastguard station, and in her documentary she finds out about the weather, and witnesses an incident unfolding.
On Watch with Stornoway Coastguard is on Isles FM on Sunday 27th February at 6pm, repeated on Tuesday March 1st at 9pm and Thursday March 4th and 6am. Tell your friends!
Scottish Government's Campaign against Coastguard Closures Rural Secretary Richard Lochhead has written to more than 40 organisations with an interest in marine safety to seek views on how the Coastguard Service can be best managed in Scotland.
Mr Lochhead said: "The UK review of the coastguard services recommends maintaining just one 24-hour centre in Scotland - at Aberdeen - and keeping one other, either in Stornoway or Shetland, in daylight hours only. If these unjustifiable measures are implemented, maritime safety in Scotland will surely be compromised."
He continued: "As the Scottish Government prepares a formal response to the consultation, we need to make sure that maritime safety - not financial savings - is at the heart of deciding the future of these vital services."
Transport Select Committee Announce Full Enquiry into Coastguard The Government's Transport Select Committee announced on the 17th February that they will be holding a "Full Inquiry" into the Coastguard, Emergency Towing Vessels and Maritime Incident Response Group.
The Committee is asking for "Written evidence would be welcome on these issues from any individual or organisation affected by, or with a view on, the Government's proposals." by Tuesday 26th April 2011.
Dr Nick Middleton Shows His Support Dr Nick Middleton, Writer and Presenter of Channel 4's 'Britain's Worst Weather' and 'Going to Extremes' has sent the following message of support to the campaign: "The staff of Stornoway's Coastguard are tireless in their dedication. They have to be because lives are usually at risk when they are called out. Their campaign to remain operational, and operational 24 hours a day, deserves everyone's support."
We would like to thank Nick for his show of support and hopefully we will be able to assist in his next project in the Western Isles.
MCA Publish Risk Analysis The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have published a Risk Analysis for their future of the Coastguard following continued pressure from the public and MPs. Some are sceptical about the validity of this risk analysis and have asked why is was not published with the consultation document. These include the Government's Transport Select Committee who questioned Sir Alan Massey about it on the 8th February.
Ben Fogle Joins Supporters Ben Fogle, TV Presenter, Writer and Adventurer has joined those supporting the
campaign to keep Stornoway Coastguard open. On the 5th January he wrote on his Twitter page "Please help ensure Stornoway coastguard in Western Isles doesn't get closed by the government. They save lives.
Go to www.stornowaycg.co.uk"
Ben was in regular contact with Stornoway Coastguard during Castaway 2000 and we thank him for supporting us.
Coastguard Closures Debated in Scottish Parliament Western Isles MSP Dr Alasdair Allan hosted a debate in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 27th January about the proposed closures of Scottish Coastguard stations, reducing the current 5 down to one 24 hour station and one open during day-light hours only.
Dr Allan gained cross-party support with those present agreeing that this was not a plan that was of benefit to Scotland.
During his summing up Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said; "We need a coastguard service in modern-day Scotland that is capable of delivering for Scotland, and we need to keep safe those who use our seas and coasts. The debate has shown that members stand united to achieve that aim. The Scottish Government, all political parties and the Scottish Parliament can work together to ensure that we secure the best outcome for Scotland in the weeks and months ahead."
You can read the full debate HERE.
RAF Tornado Crash Highlights need for Coastguard & ETV The crash of an RAF Tornado aircraft off Rubha Reidh on Thursday 27th January highlighted both the response from the Stornoway MRCC and the usefulness of the Coastguard Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) in the Minch. Within 20 minutes of the initial report being received from the Air Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) at RAF Kinloss, Stornoway Coastguard had Rescue 100 at the scene of the crash, Stornoway & Portree RNLI Lifeboats on route and the Coastguard ETV getting ready to depart from Loch Ewe.
Rescue 100 quickly located both crewmen from the Tornado, with assistance from a second Tornado aircraft, and airlifted them to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. In the meantime both lifeboats and the ETV searched the crash site and recovered any floating wreckage from the Tornado. The ETV, Anglian Earl, was used as platform where all the recovered wreckage was stored before it was handed over to the RAF for further investigation.
Save Stornoway Coastguard Public Meeting Success The Public Meeting held on Thursday 27th January at Stornoway Primary School was hailed as a success by campaigners. The meeting was attended by around 70 people and the show of support was overwhelming. The successful rescue of the crew from a RAF Tornado that crashed into the Minch that day highlighted the need to retain both the MRCC and Tug to assist in and coordinate such rescues.
The meeting started with an over-view of the tasks undertaken by the MRCC and the MCA's proposals. This was followed by an update from Cllr Norman Macdonald about what the CnES Task Group are doing to support the retention of both the Stornoway & Shetland stations.
The meeting finished with a question and answer debate that produced some valid points for the campaign members to take away with them and some very detailed questions about the effects of the plan, should it be implemented.
The staff at Stornoway Coastguard would like to publicly thank all those who attended the meeting and we hope that it was as beneficial for you as was for us.
Ask Your MP to Oppose the Coastguard ClosuresNo matter what your political persuasion, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has an e-action which will automatically send a letter to your MP asking them to support our cause. You only have to provide your name, address, post code and an email address. Remember, Coastguards rescue people from all over the country so, even if you live inland, you can legitimately offer us support.
The link can be found HERE and is open to UK residents - you do not have to be a PCS member to use the facility.
It only takes about one minute to complete the process - can you please spare your time to help save HM Coastguard?
Please forward the link to any of your friends who would support our campaign.
Alasdair Allan meets First Minister
over Coastguard Cuts Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, today (19th Jan) met with First Minister, Alex Salmond, to raise his concerns about the future of Stornoway Coastguard Station.
Dr Allan was meeting the First Minister jointly with Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, who faces similar doubts about the future of the Coastguard Station in Shetland.
Alasdair Allan commented:
"Today's meeting with the First Minister serves as a further indication of how strongly people feel, both in the Western Isles and Shetland about this issue. The strength of this campaign is that we refuse to accept the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's clear intention of setting one area of Scotland against another.
"I believe that both the Shetland and Stornoway Stations serve vital functions and that the current plans to centralise services in Aberdeen are equally dangerous for all areas of the Scottish coastline.
"At the meeting we sought and obtained the Scottish Government's continuing commitment to opposing the UK MCA's damaging proposals. I also used the meeting to argue for the devolution of the coastguard to Scottish control, a cause with which the First Minister had clear sympathy.
"This issue, which I have already raised at First Minister's Question Time in parliament, is one which I believe should unite all parties and regions in Scotland and the Scottish Government clearly now intend to take this fight to the London Government."
"Safety First" the new slogan for the campaign. The campaigners at Stornoway Coastguard have announced a new slogan & branding for their fight against the closure or reduction in the Coastguard service in Stornoway. "Safety First" is intended to highlight that the consultation document looks more at the savings that can be made and cheapest Coastguard station that can be closed, rather than what is best for the seafarers and coastal users of the UK.
This also includes the withdrawing of the Emergency Towing Vessels in September which will leave the West Coast of Scotland devoid of assistance for large commercial vessels that threaten to ground on our shores, possibly causing millions of pounds worth of ecological and environmental damage.
CnES Setup Taskforce Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have set up a taskforce opposing the closure of The Stornoway Coastguard station. Although the Stornoway base is in direct competition for survival with the Lerwick station, both island local authorities agreed to collaborate to pressurise the government to save both. They are jointly seeking an urgent meeting with the Shipping minister “to make the case that both Stornoway and Shetland are essential centres for coastguard operations.” The taskforce's remit is to fight to save both the Coastguard station and the emergency tug, which is being axed next September.
The taskforce would seek support from other bodies like Highland Council, SN, UK Harbour Master Association, British Ports Association and the International Maritime Organisation.
Stornoway & Shetland Working Together The staff of both co-ordination centres at Stornoway and Shetland will be working together to keep both stations open and operational on a 24 hour basis. The MCA's consultation document is asking respondents to make the decision about which one of the two stations should remain as a daylight station only. Both stations are very much alike in location & culture, they are also currently "paired stations", and the staff, councils and MPs refuse to make this into a battle between the two island stations, as the MCA and the UK Government seem to want.
Shipping Minister Supported Coastguard Reasoning in the past Back in 2005 the current Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP, was concerned at the restructuring of Fire Control Centres in England. He said: "As a former fire fighter I know from personal experience how a regional structure will put lives at risk, since 999 operators will have less knowledge of the Hemel Hempstead area."
He went on to say: "If the regional centre is forced offline by a disaster or attack, the whole emergency response will go down across a massive geographical area."
You can read this in full by clicking on the title of this item.
Will the MCA's Plan follow that of the Fire Service? The Government announced on Monday 20th December that the plan for 9 new regional Fire Control Centres in England to replace the current 46 is to be scrapped following delays and computer problems. This leaves empty centres and the tax payer picking up the bill. Is this a vision of the future for the Coastguard? Only time will tell.
