Orkney Ferries keen to end dispute

Orkney Ferries has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain services where possible on the islands’ internal ferry routes despite the impact industrial action is having on the company.

Over the bank holiday weekend, services provided by the company were maintained to Orkney’s isles communities, with a revised timetable put in place.

The company say that during this period, industrial action meant Orkney Ferries had to tie up one of the ferries serving communities in the outer North Isles – but six out of the company’s seven ferries continued to operate on routes across the islands.

“As the industrial action continues, we cannot rule out having to take a similar step again,” said Councillor Graham Sinclair, chairman of the board of Orkney Ferries Ltd.

“For the benefit of the communities we serve, we want to see this dispute resolved as soon as possible and have met with the unions on a number of occasions. We have recently contacted the three unions involved and asked for a further meeting with them. We look forward to their response.”