McArthur presses minister to learn from re-fit mistakes

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur met with the Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP earlier today, Thursday, to discuss the lifeline ferry service between Orkney and the mainland.

Serious concerns were raised locally during the recent re-fit period when a freight vessel was used to replace the Hamnavoe, prompting Mr McArthur to seek the meeting.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said: “Replacing the Hamnavoe with a freight vessel during the recent re-fit period was not an acceptable response to a situation that was known about well in advance.  The Transport Minister’s insistence that this was entirely within the terms of the contract he signed with the ferry company will do little to reassure people in Orkney or lessen the sense of anger.”

“Fortunately, the Hamnavoe is not due to undergo dry docking again until 2016. As I made clear to the Minister during today’s meeting, however, there can be no question of a repeat of what happened in January next time round.”

“Keith Brown indicated that steps are being taken that may free up capacity in other areas, allowing the possibility of a wider range of vessel options to be considered for the Pentland Firth route in future, either for re-fit or for unplanned breaks in service. I have asked the Minister to keep me and the local community in Orkney informed of developments, so that we can have some confidence that lessons have indeed be learned.”