North Isles down to two boat service yet again

Orkney Ferries is once again down to operating a two vessel service to the outer North Isles from today, Tuesday, until further notice.

One of the three vessels usually on the routes will be tied up due to continuing industrial action as the long running dispute between crews and management continues.

The industrial action means that Orkney Ferries sea staff are no longer agreeing to cover when colleagues are absent, for example through sickness.

According to the company this 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.