NorthLink adds extra return crossing on Hamnavoe after MV Alfred grounding
NorthLink has added an extra return crossing to its timetable to help maintain access between Orkney and the Scottish mainland following this week's grounding of the MV Alfred.
The move is intended to help residents and visitors whose travel plans have been hit by the suspension of all Pentland Ferries' sailings after its £14 million catamaran went ashore on Swona.
Ferry services between Gills Bay and South Ronaldsay won't return until July 18 after it emerged that the Alfred suffered impact damage.
Serco NorthLink Ferries operates services between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles, including the 90-minute Scrabster/Stromness link.
From today (July 7) until Tuesday, July 12, the Hamnavoe daily passenger service will move to a revised timetable.
Stromness to Scrabster sailings will run at 6.30am, 11am, 4.45pm and 9.15pm.
Scrabster to Stromness sailings will be at 8.45am, 1.15pm, 7pm and 11.30pm.
NorthLink says it is in discussions with stakeholders and the community about providing further support thereafter, until 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 community and will continue discussions around how we can support travel on this route.”
Orkney Islands Council leader James Stockan praised NorthLink's response.
He said: "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."
The Orkney-bound Alfred had 84 passengers and 13 crew on board when the grounding happened at 2pm on Tuesday. Pentland Ferries confirmed that "a few passengers" sustained injuries.