Ferry contract news welcomed, but MSP calls for joined-up service

While welcoming news that existing ports must be used in the new lifeline ferry contract, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has repeated calls to scrap the “unbundling” that will see operators able to tender for individual routes.

Mr McArthur said: “While I welcome the u-turn by the transport minister, which has seen the Stromness-Scrabster route now specified in the tender documents, like many, I remain concerned at ministers’ determination to ‘unbundle’ the Pentland Firth and Aberdeen services.  Already we are seeing the impact this decision is having on our vital tourism industry, with bookings not being taken for later next year.

“This issue is too important to the economic and social well-being of Orkney for ministers to stick rigidly to pre-conceived ideas of what’s best for my constituents.  They must now recognise the value of a joined up service to the Northern Isles and ensure that this is safeguarded when the current contract comes to an end.”