OIC to hold ferry talks as business suffers over loss of vital route

Orkney Islands Council is to hold talks with senior representatives of Serco NorthLink and the Scottish Government, amid growing concern over the loss of the lifeline Stromness-Scrabster ferry service.

With the Hamnavoe out of action until at least May 24, the council is also gathering evidence of the impact on local businesses and the wider Orkney community.

OIC convener Councillor Steven Heddle said: “It is becoming worryingly evident that business in Orkney is suffering. Tourism businesses have been reporting cancellations because some guests are unaware of an alternative service or do not find the travel times suitable.

“This is obviously of great concern to the council as we move into the busy part of the year – and why we continue to urge Serco NorthLink Ferries and the Government to pull out all the stops and find a suitable replacement vessel for the lifeline Stromness-Scrabster route that provides the travelling public with the service they expect.”

Councillor Heddle and OIC chief executive, Alistair Buchan, will meet with Serco NorthLink Ferries and the Scottish Government, in Edinburgh, on Tuesday, May 7.

Senior representatives of the company and the Government have also agreed to meet islands councillors on Monday, May 13.

Meanwhile, businesses, organisations and individuals can pass on their experiences to economic.development@orkney.gov.uk or by post to Economic Development Team, OIC, 14 Queen Street, Kirkwall.