The closure-threatened Forth coastguard station at Fife Ness near Crail is more needed than ever, it has been claimed.
Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick was speaking as Holyrood debated plans to reduce the number of coastguard sites in the UK from 18 to eight.
She said new possible activities in the region including renewable energy developments and ship-to-ship transfers meant closing the base would be “dangerous and reckless.”
The cost-cutting proposals, which were outlined by shipping minister Mike Penning last month, will leave only one 24-hour manned station remaining in Scotland.
MPs and unions have already warned that lives will be lost if the plans go ahead.
Under the plans, both Fife Ness and the coastguard station on the Clyde will be shut down, but Aberdeen will continue to operate 24 hours a day. There will only be one other sub-centre in Scotland at Shetland or Stornoway and that will only be staffed during daylight hours.
Overall staff numbers in the coastguard will fall from 596 to 370, with 20 posts at risk at Fife Ness.
Thursday’s members’ debate at Holyrood was led by Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, who described the proposals as a “false economy.”
Even the Scottish Conservatives, whose counterparts in Westminster made the proposals, expressed reservations.
Transport spokesman Jackson Carlaw said he accepted there are “legitimate concerns and understandable fears” over the plans.
“I would therefore urge all parties here to work together to ensure that the best possible outcome for Scotland’s vital coastguard provision is achieved,” he said.
North East Fife MSP Iain Smith, a Lib Dem, said, “I am more convinced than ever that the local knowledge and experience of the local coastguard officer is crucial in ensuring the right response to an incident…
“My main concern about this consultation is the absence of any evidence that it will improve safety at sea.
“That should surely be the prime driver for any change to the service, and unless the Maritime and Coastguard Agency can show that their proposals will improve safety and save lives, their proposals should be rejected.”
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, who spoke for the Scottish Government in the debate, said the proposals were “unjustified.”
“With ever-increasing activity on Scotland’s seas through oil and gas, offshore renewables, fishing and tourism I have real concerns over the UK Government’s ability to manage the coastguard service,” he said.
“The UK Government announcement came as a complete surprise to the Scottish Government as there had been no formal discussion on the matter. This is unacceptable and is contrary to the ‘respect agenda’ agreed last year.”
Labour’s Duncan McNeil, who raised the issue at first minister’s questions last month, added, “Closing these bases without consultation will have huge consequences for the safety of our seas.”