MSPs raise freight concerns with transport minister

Northern Isles MSPs Liam McArthur and Tavish Scott have met representatives from Serco Ltd — the preferred bidder to provide the lifeline Northern Isles ferry service over the next six years.

Following the meeting, Mr McArthur and Mr Scott have written to the transport minister seeking assurances about the future of freight services.  This is in light of growing concerns in both Orkney and Shetland that a single freight vessel may be used to deliver the service to both islands.

Mr Scott said: “Freight exports of fresh seafood, livestock and other goods are the essential part of the Northern Isles ferry contract. Shetland businesses and the local NFU have been in touch since Friday expressing alarm over any cut to the number of ships and the timetable for the service. Serco are constrained in what they can say at this stage.   However, SNP Transport Minister, Keith Brown must now allay fears in the Northern Isles that the new contract will not see the loss of a freight ship.

“It is clear from all those I have spoken to over recent days that this would constitute a backward step in the quality of the service.  That would be unacceptable.”