The UK Government has unveiled plans to slash the number of coastguard stations across the country. There are currently five stations in Scotland, but under proposed changes this would fall to two. Centres on the Clyde and the Forth look set to close, while one centre - either at Stornoway or Shetland - is also facing the axe. The Aberdeen coastguard station will remain as the only 24-hour operational centre in Scotland.

There are currently 18 coastguard stations throughout the UK. Under the proposed changes only eight would remain open, of these only three will operate a 24-hour service. Shipping Minister Mike Penning said the Aberdeen centre would be a "maritime operation centre capable of managing maritime incidents wherever and whenever they occur and with improved information systems.”

HOPES are rising that some elements of the Government’s plans to cut the coastguard operation in the Highlands and Islands can be reversed and others significantly delayed. The leaders of four Highlands and Islands councils were encouraged yesterday by assurances that ministers will consider their proposals for retaining two coastguard tugs in Shetland and the Western Isles.

They were also buoyed by confirmation the consultation period over the proposal to close either Stornoway or Shetland coastguard stations and downgrade the other to a daytime operation could be extended without any great difficulty, and crucially that there was no implementation date for this proposal. Leaders of Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles and Highland councils travelled to London to meet Shipping Minister Mike Penning yesterday to urge him to reconsider the proposals to leave only Aberdeen coastguard station as a 24 hour operation.

A CAMPAIGN against planned closures of Coastguard stations has forced a climbdown by ministers who are now reconsidering the move, it has been claimed. It was revealed yesterday that the government is to scale back the controversial proposals which would have seen the number of stations across the UK reduced from 19 to nine.

Under the plans Aberdeen would have been left as the only full-time Scottish station, with a second - either in Shetland or Orkney - operating only during daylight hours. But it is now understood that Transport Secretary Philip Hammond will reprieve some of the threatened stations.

The government has confirmed revised proposals for the restructuring of the coastguard service, with the stations in Stornoway and Shetland being retained. However, stations at the Clyde and Forth are among those earmarked for closure. Originally, the Government proposed that the number of coastguard centres be reduced from 18 around the UK to eight, with only three remaining open 24 hours a day.

The original plan meant that Aberdeen would be he only coastguard station in Scotland to be spared from the cuts while a second station would operate during daylight hours in either Shetland or Stornoway. However, UK Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced that 11 centres would remain and that they would all be 24-hour operational.

Forth Coastguard station is ending operations with services switching from Fife to Aberdeen. The closure of the Forth Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Fife Ness starts a UK programme which will also see Clyde Coastguard at Greenock shut. Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said it was "a sad day for Forth Coastguard" and he paid tribute to staff "past and present". He said it was the end of "a chapter in history going back around 100 years".

Mr Lochhead added: "I pay tribute to those staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to provide a vital service to all those making a living from the sea and use our marine environment. We are determined to continue to make the case for Scotland's vital coastguards and recognise that the threat still remains that Clyde Coastguard may also close. This is despite Clyde Coastguard being Scotland's busiest rescue and co-ordination centre. Taking risks with maritime safety and human life are not acceptable and we will continue to fight against the planned Clyde closure, especially at a time when our maritime industries are busier than ever before."