Ferry to remain tied up until Tuesday

Orkney Ferries is to cotinue with a two-vessel operation to the Outer North Isles until next week because of increasing uncertainty over the effects of continuing industrial action.

This means the ferry Earl Thorfinn will remain tied up until Tuesday, July 23.

Councillor Graham Sinclair, chairman of Orkney Ferries, said: “We felt there was little option other than to continue with a two-ferry operation. This decision has been made to avoid last minute changes which can be very disruptive. It means we will be providing a reduced service – but it at least gives customers some certainty over when ferries will be running.”

The industrial action means that Orkney Ferries sea staff are no longer agreeing to cover when colleagues are absent, for example through sickness. It is also making it increasingly difficult to find alternative cover.

A contingency timetable has been drawn up to cover two-ferry operation and is available on the Orkney Ferries website, www.orkneyferries.co.uk