Ferry talks to resume later this month

Discussions on the future of Orkney’s inter-island ferry services are due to be held in Edinburgh later this month.

Orkney Islands Council convener Councillor Stephen Hagan and chief executive Albert Tait are set to meet with Alex Neil MSP and minister for transport and infrastructure, Keith Brown, for talks on the funding and operation of the current inter isles fleet.

Scotland’s ferry services have been under review for the last three years and in December the Government announced it may be willing to take on responsibility for the operation of the internal routes in the county.

The convener said at Tuesday’s OIC policy and resources committee meeting that the discussions are due to go ahead on March 29.

While he said the situation had been “frustrating”, Councillor Hagan added that they had recognised that progress was unlikely until the ferry service review was completed.

He said the issue of road equivalent tariff in Orkney would also be on the agenda.