Shapinsay ferry service to resume schedule

MV Shapinsay is to resume service, tomorrow, Friday, after industrial action from Orkney Ferries crew members resulted in the cancellation of all sailings between Shapinsay and Kirkwall today.

Last night, Orkney Islands Council reported that the service would be unable to operate after the final sailing from Kirkwall on Wednesday evening, due to a crewing situation as a result of industrial action.

Orkney Ferries crews, represented by three unions, are currently taking action short of a strike. Orkney Island Council has, this afternoon, confirmed that the crewing situation has been resolved and that normal service on the Shapinsay-Kirkwall route will resume as per timetable tomorrow morning.

A meeting on Wednesday, February 28 has been agreed with the unions to discuss their pay claim following the award by the Scottish Government of £5.5 million in additional funding for Orkney’s internal ferry service.

OIC has said, in light of the additional funding, it is hoped there will be a positive outcome to the meeting.