Serco NorthLink to cut number of Pentland Firth crossings

Serco NorthLink Ferries have announced cuts to the number of Pentland Firth crossings, starting next year.

Freight and passenger fares are also set to increase by 2.8 per cent in 2013, as agreed with the Scottish Government, a company statement said.

The decision has been made to change off peak sailings from Scrabster to Stromness from three sailings each day to two.

During the summer months and on selected dates during public and school holidays, the three crossings will remain.

Serco NorthLink say that following public consultation a special weekend timetable will also be introduced with the first sailing at 9am rather than the originally proposed 6.30am.

Full details of the changes can be found at www.northlinkferries.co.uk.