Shetland should not be using its own cash to influence Orkney ferry operations, says OIC convener

Orkney Islands Council has strongly criticised the lack of consultation in discussions over the use of ferries during NorthLink’s refit period.

Talks between Shetland Islands Council and Scottish transport minister, Keith Brown, took place this week, during which the possibility of the SIC contributing to the cost of chartering the Hebridean Isles to operate on the Pentland Firth during the Hamnavoe’s three-week refit period was discussed.

The move would allow the two larger NorthLink ferries to maintain the Lerwick-Aberdeen service, without the need for one to be diverted to stand in for the Hamnavoe.

Describing it as a “matter of fundamental concern”, OIC convener, Councillor Stephen Hagan, said today that he was appalled by the lack of consultation.

He said: “These are lifeline ferry services of vital importance to both Orkney and Shetland and it’s only right that we should be fully involved in the discussions.

“Shetland receives considerably more than Orkney in financial support from the Government. That, perhaps, puts SIC in a position where it can consider contributing to the charter of the Hebridean Isles. But SIC should not be using its own funds to influence the operation of a lifeline ferry service in another council’s area.

“It would also set a dangerous precedent. Our external ferry services are a Government responsibility and any funding of this kind should come from the Government and not from local authorities.”