Ferry fares frozen as NorthLink opens summer bookings
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Bookings for ferry crossings linking Caithness to the Northern Isles have opened after fares were frozen up to September.
Transport Scotland, which sets the fares for ferry networks, said the prices on the Northern Isles ferry networks would be frozen for a further six months.
The Scottish Government agency said this was to help people and businesses from Scotland's remote rural and island communities.
The announcement means that NorthLink Ferries has been able to open its booking system for spring and summer 2023.
Jim Dow, Serco's commercial director for NorthLink Ferries, said: "We are pleased to be able to open our booking system up to September 2023, allowing people to book travel both to and from Shetland and Orkney.
"Last year's passenger numbers show how popular the Northern Isles are with visitors, and we are committed to supporting the tourism sector while continuing to provide the lifeline service for islanders.”
Serco has operated the Northern Isles service since July 2012, providing scheduled lifeline passenger and freight services to the Northern Isles.
Its services run between Scrabster and Stromness in Orkney, Kirkwall in Orkney to Lerwick in Shetland, and from Aberdeen to Lerwick and Kirkwall.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is acutely aware of the particular challenges faced by our island communities, where the ongoing cost-of-living impacts are arguably more challenging than in any other part of the country. Ministers are also mindful of the disruption on the ferry network in recent times – particularly in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides network.
“This fares freeze is the right thing for our island communities and I hope it will go some way to encouraging tourism this summer as island businesses continue to recover from the pandemic.
“We will consider fares policy in the longer term as part of both the Island Connectivity Plan and our wider 'fair fares' review, to ensure that we continue to address the needs of Scotland’s islands.”
