Serco NorthLink Ferries adds extra sailing to maintain travel link

Serco NorthLink Ferries is adding an additional return crossing to its timetable to help maintain access between Orkney and the Scottish Mainland.

The extra return crossing is intended to help support residents and visitors whose travel plans have been affected by the suspension of all Pentland Ferries sailings due to the grounding of MV Alfred.

From Thursday 07 July to Tuesday 12 July, the MV Hamnavoe daily passenger service will move to a revised timetable to help accommodate passengers:

• Stromness to Scrabster sailings will run at 0630, 1100, 1645 and 2115

• Scrabster to Stromness sailings will run at 0845, 1315, 1900 and 2330

NorthLink is in discussions with stakeholders and the local community around providing further support thereafter, until the Pentland Ferries service is operational again.

Stuart Garrett, Serco’s Managing Director for NorthLink Ferries, said: “We hope the additional round trip we’ve introduced will help those whose travel plans have been affected to reach their destination safely. We are in close contact with the local community and will continue discussions around how we can support travel on this route.”

Orkney Islands Council’s Leader James Stockan has praised NorthLink's response: "To lose one route into the county in the height of our tourist season is hugely problematic - for visitors, locals and of course local businesses, who could have been severely impacted by freight and delivery issues.  NorthLink Ferries stepping up to the plate proactively to fill that gap is fantastic  - and we look forward to Pentland Ferries getting back on their feet in due course."

NorthLink is a crucial lifeline service that connects Orkney and Shetland to the Scottish Mainland. Its passenger and freight services work in tandem to provide daily connections to and from the Northern Isles.

For more information about NorthLink Ferries, please visit: www.northlinkferries.co.uk