Ferry out of service until at least May 24

Serco NorthLink’s ferry Hamnavoe will not return to service before May 24.

In a statement this evening, the ferry company has said that until an alternative vessel is found bookings will not be taken for the Stromness-Scrabster route.

The statement continued: “We are working with the Scrabster Harbour Trust to make amendments to the Queen Elizabeth Berth that will allow our freight vessels to dock there.  Once the timing of these works is confirmed, we will be able to confirm a timetable for this additional freight capacity.”

Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “We are making every effort to put in place alternative arrangements as a result of this unforeseen and unpreventable event. We are continuing to look for an alternative vessel to operate the Pentland Firth service, however, with no suitable vessels currently available, we will not be taking bookings for travel in advance of May 24 for the Pentland Firth route.

“We appreciate the inconvenience this causes passengers and we advise passengers with bookings to call us as soon as possible so that we can help with arrangements.  We are working with other operators to arrange alternative options for travel, this includes courtesy travel to and from Pentland Ferries. Pentland Ferries have also put on additional sailings that have the capacity to cope with the expected number of passengers.”