NorthLink proposal to cut winter sailings axed
Proposals by NorthLink to cut winter sailings between Aberdeen and Lerwick have been cancelled.
The ferry operator had announced plans to axe selected sailings during the winter months in favour of daytime summer sailings to and from Orkney.
The proposal came to light following concerns over a lack of cabin space on the NorthLink vessels.
However, the concept failed to find approval from transport partnership ZetTrans.
Local fishing representatives said they needed to have the nightly service to Aberdeen to get their produce to the market, although most of the fish trade is carried south by the freight boats.
A spokesman for NorthLink said the idea had been floated as “a discussion point,” and that if changes had been made to the timetable they would have required approval from the Scottish government.
“Soundings were taken from a number of quarters and the issue went out to consultation,” the spokesman said. “The concept didn’t find favour with ZetTrans and, accordingly, was taken no further.”
