McArthur comments on plans to increase Pentland Firth sailings

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has today responded to the announcement that NorthLink Ferries is to run an additional crossing on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays between Scrabster on the mainland and Stromness on Orkney from now until June 30.

Mr McArthur said:

"Since the grounding of MV Pentalina I have been repeatedly calling for a fourth daily return sailing between Stromness and Scrabster, most recently at Rural Affairs Questions in parliament yesterday.

"I welcome confirmation from Serco Northlink that these additional sailings have been added to the timetable. Hopefully these will help in addressing the pinch points that have been causing concern to local businesses and the wider public as well as restoring connectivity with the smaller isles in Orkney.

"In recent days I have continued to receive reports from constituents and local businesses about the difficulties they have faced, both in terms of lost capacity and revenue foregone. As we enter the busiest time of the year, it is vitally important that Orkney has the freight and passenger capacity required across the Pentland Firth.

"Beyond that we finally need to see some recognition from the Scottish Government that there is no slack in the system and that new vessels will be needed across the network to relieve the pressure."