The future for the tugs
Even before Cpt Magoo drove the RNS Titanic into the Isle of Skye, the future for the tugs wasn't quite as black as it was being painted by some.
How do I know this?
Well, I still have my old contact books, and I was able to get in touch with a very senior civil servant in the right department who was able to tell me all about the financial machinations that are going on behind the scene.
This civil servant has a soft spot for the islands and has pushed some policies and decisions that have been highly beneficial to us. During drinks after one meeting, his Minister candidly admitted not to understanding the marine aspects of his brief, and deferring to my friend (amongst others) when it came to making decisions.
I am told that the MCA want to keep some or all of the tugs, and they have been offered up in the hope that the offer will be refused, and extra funding made available to keep the service going. Sometimes known as "shroud waiving", it is a familiar and well known negotiating stance.
Having given my views on the matter, influence really lies with the current political leadership in the islands to make a coherent case for retention of the tugs, as there does appear to be an open door reading for pushing.
The events of last week only strengthen the case, and whilst no-one wants a disaster, the security and reassurance provided by the Minch tug is an essential element of the argument that needs to be made to the Minister.
Petty point scoring won't do it; the clever approach might yield benefits.
How do I know this?
Well, I still have my old contact books, and I was able to get in touch with a very senior civil servant in the right department who was able to tell me all about the financial machinations that are going on behind the scene.
This civil servant has a soft spot for the islands and has pushed some policies and decisions that have been highly beneficial to us. During drinks after one meeting, his Minister candidly admitted not to understanding the marine aspects of his brief, and deferring to my friend (amongst others) when it came to making decisions.
I am told that the MCA want to keep some or all of the tugs, and they have been offered up in the hope that the offer will be refused, and extra funding made available to keep the service going. Sometimes known as "shroud waiving", it is a familiar and well known negotiating stance.
Having given my views on the matter, influence really lies with the current political leadership in the islands to make a coherent case for retention of the tugs, as there does appear to be an open door reading for pushing.
The events of last week only strengthen the case, and whilst no-one wants a disaster, the security and reassurance provided by the Minch tug is an essential element of the argument that needs to be made to the Minister.
Petty point scoring won't do it; the clever approach might yield benefits.
2 comments:
current political leadership in the islands to make a coherent case for retention of the tugs
Well, we are stuffed then aren't we!
It only took the rest of the world a week to get the same information as you, but it looks like you were right.
At least according to your old mate Torquil Crichton in the Daily Record.
Well done, mate.
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