Stagecoach reinstate cancelled bus service

Stagecoach is reinstating “cancelled” bus services to meet the arrival and departure of the Hamnavoe ferry in Stromness.

Concerns were raised this week over the bus company’s handling of the “mysterious” cancellation.

Responding to the news, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “Having an integrated transport system is absolutely essential in a place like Orkney.  While it may not always be possible, it should be the aim of those responsible for delivering our air, ferry and bus services. Indeed, Stagecoach has had some success over the last couple of years in improving links with the various ferry operators.

“That is why the news that buses meeting the Northlink service across the Pentland Firth were being cut came as such a shock. The disruption this would have caused to the travelling public, not least tourists visiting the isles, would have been significant.

“Not surprisingly, people in Orkney have been making their views on this issue clear to Stagecoach.  I have also made specific representations and am pleased that Stagecoach have now confirmed that the service has been re-instated.”