Orkney needs minister to answer for “ferry farce” – McArthur

Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur has commented today on the anger felt in the Isles about the lack of a replacement vessel for the mv Hamnavoe.

Noting the visit by Scottish Government transport minister, Keith Brown, to the Rosyth shipyard where the Hamnavoe is being repaired, Mr McArthur said: “Anger in Orkney at the continued failure by Serco and the Scottish government to find a suitable replacement for the Hamnavoe on the Stromness-Scrabster route increases by the day.  It now seems inevitable that no such replacement will be found before the Hamnavoe returns next week.

“This whole farce has demonstrated serious shortcomings in the contract negotiated and agreed by Scottish ministers with Serco Northlink last year, particularly the lack of any proper contingency arrangements.

“While people in Orkney will be relieved to see the Hamnavoe return next week, they still want to know how the events of the last month square with the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide a lifeline ferry service between Stromness and Scrabster.  The transport minister will need an answer to this and other questions when he finally makes it up to Orkney at the end of this week.”