MV Alfred to stay in Clyde and Hebrides network for five more months
MV Alfred will remain as part of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network for another five months after Pentland Ferries announced it had signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries to extend the charter.
The company’s sister ship, MV Pentalina, will continue to operate the St Margaret’s Hope to Gills Bay service.
Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries to extend the charter of MV Alfred until the end of October 2025.
“With both MV Alfred and MV Pentalina in service, we are pleased to maintain a reliable service for our passengers, support over 80 jobs, and ensure that the business continues to invest in the local community and is well positioned for the future.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with CalMac Ferries and serving the island communities in both Orkney and the west of Scotland.”
Pentalina returned to Caithness/Orkney crossings in April 2023 following what at the time was a £9 million deal that would see the Alfred join the CalMac fleet until early the next year.
As a result of the new agreement, the resident discount scheme operated by Pentland Ferries has been extended for the same period. The initiative aims to make travel more accessible and affordable for island residents.
Orkney residents who have already booked travel between June 1 and 7 are encouraged to contact the office for a refund, while the introduction of a new booking system means that a refund will automatically be applied to residents who have booked to travel between June 8 and October 31.
