NorthLink extends temporary timetable to fill gap left by grounding of Pentland Ferries' MV Alfred
NorthLink has extended its temporary timetable to cover the full period in which Pentland Ferries will be out of action following this week's grounding of the MV Alfred.
The move is aimed at helping residents and visitors whose travel plans have been affected by the suspension of Pentland Ferries' sailings between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope after its £14 million catamaran went ashore on Swona.
Services between Gills and the South Ronaldsay ferry port won't return until July 18 after it emerged that the Alfred suffered impact damage.
NorthLink announced on Thursday that it was moving to a revised timetable for the Hamnavoe with an additional return crossing on the Stromness/Scrabster route until Tuesday, July 12. This has now been extended by a week.
Captain John Strathearn, Serco’s operations director at NorthLink Ferries, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that we are extending our temporary timetable, with an additional daily return crossing from Stromness to Scrabster, up to and including Tuesday, July 19.
"This will see us run an extra crossing throughout Pentland Ferries’ suspension period, to help maintain accessibility between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. We will of course continue to review additional sailing requirements in line with this essential need.”
Under the revised timetable until July 19, 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.
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."
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, July 5. Pentland Ferries confirmed that "a few passengers" sustained injuries.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has begun a preliminary assessment.