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Pentland Ferries back to three sailings a day


By Jean Gunn

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The MV Alfred is resuming three sailings a day from St Margaret's Hope and Gills Bay. Picture: Louise Berston
The MV Alfred is resuming three sailings a day from St Margaret's Hope and Gills Bay. Picture: Louise Berston

As of today Pentland Ferries is back to three sailings a day from Gills Bay in Caithness and St Margaret's Hope in Orkney.

The 11.30am MV Alfred service from St Margaret's Hope and the 1.30pm one from Gills Bay have been reinstated after partial lifting of Covid-19 rules.

This follows the Scottish Government announcement allowing day trippers to visit Orkney from Friday, April 16. All non-essential travel will start from August 26. Precautions to avoid the spread of the virus will still be in place.

During the pandemic Pentland Ferries had been forced to review its operations and make some short-term changes to safeguard the service following a 70 per cent reduction in business.

Commenting on the easing of travel restrictions, managing director of the business Andrew Banks said: "We are starting to see a few more people, but will wait and see what this weekend might bring. I think people might want to take a trip to Inverness."

He explained that they had gone down to two trips when travel bans were imposed as there was no need for a third sailing. "Now the restrictions are lifting we will go back to three trips a day," explained Mr Banks.

Those planning to travel on the ferry are advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Related article: Pentland Ferries hit hard by 70 per cent reduction in business


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