Scrabster ferry to shut down for a fortnight

The ferry service between Scrabster and Stromness will cease operation for a fortnight next month, NorthLink Ferries has confirmed.

The route is to be shutdown from January 31 until February 13 while MV Hamnavoe goes into dry dock for maintenance and Scrabster Harbour has work scheduled over the same period.

The Orcadian newspaper reported on Monday that the refit period would not be covered by any replacement vessel, the ferry company has revealed plans to expand the Kirkwall Aberdeen route during this period in order to mitigate disruption.

Captain John Strathearn, Serco’s operations director at NorthLink Ferries, said: “Dry dock upgrades are crucial to maintain the safety and comfort of our vessels.

“We appreciate the impact that the changes have on passengers and the scheduled dry dock period for MV Hamnavoe has been designed to minimise disruption, with Scrabster Harbour carrying out maintenance at the same time and activity taking place during the quietest time of year for both passenger and freight shipments."

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