NorthLink Ferries Opens Bookings for 2013

24th October 2012

Serco NorthLink Ferries has opened bookings for its services linking Orkney and Shetland with the mainland in 2013.

As previously announced Serco's contract with the Scottish Government will next year see some changes to the Pentland Firth timetable. These changes have been made as a result of detailed analysis of demand and alterations have been made to the original proposals following public feedback.

The decision has been made to change off peak sailings from Scrabster to Stromness from three sailings each day to two. Following public consultation a special weekend timetable has been introduced with the first sailing at 0900 rather than the originally proposed 0630. The Hamnavoe bed and breakfast offer has also been extended; previously this was only available during peak season.

To fit better with local and national holidays Serco NorthLink Ferries has altered the dates for low, mid and peak season.

Freight and passenger fares will increase by 2.8% in 2013 as agreed with the Scottish Government.

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director of Serco NorthLink Ferries, said "We understand the importance of ferry services to the communities of Orkney and Shetland and will continue to engage with our customers to ensure that we deliver an excellent service to passengers.

"We've spoken to the local communities and carefully monitored the demand for services across the year and we believe the new off peak service will fully meet demand for sailings. The NorthLink routes will now be more efficient, allowing us to invest in improvements while delivering a service that's affordable to the Scottish Government."

Full details of the changes can be found on the Serco NorthLink Ferries website: www.northlinkferries.co.uk