McArthur demands rethink on ferries

8.35.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Apr 2010

Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur has this morning urged the Transport Minister to review the planned removal of the NorthLink ferry services from Orkney in the light of the overnight changes to the rules governing flights which have allowed airlines to resume flights.

He has advised the Minister that he has received copious representations from Orcadians, many outlining the serious problems the loss of the services will cause. He told the Minister, "With flights starting to get underway again, the removal of the Hamnavoe and the loss of the service between Kirkwall and Aberdeen are even harder to justify. I therefore ask that this be reviewed as a matter of urgency and for the full NorthLink service to Orkney to be restored without delay."

He has also raised the issue of the public transport links to connect with the Pentland Ferries services in the period before the Hamnavoe returns to her station. He has sought assurances that steps are being taken to ensure that sufficient capacity is provided on the service on the Orkney side and that a service is being provided to and from the pier head at Gills Bay to link with trains and long distance coach services.

Commenting, Liam McArthur said;

“There is no doubt about the outrage that this has caused in Orkney. Yesterday the Minister assured me that Orkney Islands Council were content with his proposal but anyone listening to the Convener on BBC Radio Orkney this morning would be left in no doubt that he is just as livid about this as I am.”