Alternate ferry arrangements expected as a matter of urgency — OIC convener

As the Hamnavoe remains tied up in Stromness today, Orkney Islands Council has told Serco NorthLink that it expects alternate arrangements to be put in place on the Stromness-Scrabster ferry route as a matter of urgency.

OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle, has confirmed that the council has discussed the situation with the ferry company and the Scottish Government.

He said that when Serco NorthLink were announced as the preferred bidder for the ferry contract, the Government pledged to ensure there would be no repetition of the problems experienced when the ferries were in dry dock.

Councillor Heddle added: “The council and our community now expect the Government and Serco NorthLink Ferries to fulfil that pledge. An extended break in service on the Stromness-Scrabster route must not be allowed to develop. As far as the council is concerned, that would be totally unacceptable.”