Replacement ferry arrives in Orkney

The passenger boat Chieftain has arrived in Orkney as a stand-in vessel for the Stromness-Graemsay-Hoy route.

Crew familiarisation and berthing trials are underway – with the Chieftain due to go into service as soon as these are completed.

The vessel can carry up to 80 passengers and has been chartered as a temporary replacement for the Graemsay, which is currently in Peterhead undergoing refit and the installation of her new engines.

This work is progressing, with the Graemsay due to return to Orkney towards the end of June.

Once the Chieftain goes into service, the Golden Mariana – which is currently operating between Stromness, Graemsay and Hoy – will return to its normal duties on the Westray-Papa Westray route.