Call for Crown Estate profit to pay for coastguard tugs

The Crown Estate has been leasing sites on the seabed

The leader of Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has called for the Crown Estate's record profits to pay for coastguard tugs.

Angus Campbell said the ships, that may be withdrawn under UK government plans, would be needed to protect marine renewables on Crown Estate sites.

The comhairle along with other councils have been campaigning for the retention of Maritime and Coastguard Agency tugs.

The Crown Estate reported a £230.9m profit earlier this week.

Mr Campbell said the organisation should use some of the money to cover the cost of tugs operating from the Western Isles and Northern Isles.

The Crown Estate has been leasing sites on the seabed to marine renewable energy developers.