Letters / We listened, and we acted
Open letter from Keith Brown about northern isles ferry timetables.
I should like to address some views being raised locally in relation to the recent decision to award Serco Ltd with the contract to deliver the Northern Isles ferry services.
As you will know, following the decision by the courts that the suspension to award the contract be lifted, Serco Ltd has published its plans, including a new timetable to be introduced in 2013.
In particular, some timetable changes are to come into effect in timings to sailings between Scrabster and Stromness during off-peaks periods. The peak period of mid June to mid August will continue to see three return sailings Mon – Sat and two return sailings on a Sunday – very much aligned to the current NorthLink timetable. Outside this period, there will be two return sailings each day except for the Easter period and selected bank holiday weeks, where there will be three return sailings three days a week and two return sailings four days a week – changes which are better aligned with known demand.
Consultation is at the heart of all of the Scottish Government’s work, and the Northern Isles ferry contract is no different.
Your readers should be made aware that in procuring this new contract, extensive dialogue with stakeholders was undertaken to ensure that not only were their views heard, but acted upon.
Over 400 responses were received, including those of Orkney Isles Council who expressed a very specific wish to protect the route between Scrabster and Stromness. Continued liaison with Council officials identified the 90 minute crossing time as absolutely essential. Council officials suggested that three return sailings per day during the off-peak periods was recognised as over provision and that a reduced number of sailings during the off-peak periods would better meet demand. Ministers listened to the views of Orkney Islands Council and ensured the ports of Scrabster and Stromness were specified in the contract, retained the 90 minute crossing time, and allowed a reduced number of sailings during off-peak periods.
We listened, and we acted.
Looking forward, the new £243m contract will deliver significant benefits over the next six years including protecting vital time sensitive freight transport, enhancing ticketing arrangements, improving catering and hospitality, and avoiding prolonged drydock periods which we have witnessed in the current contract – a contract incidentally procured by the previous administration. And, of course, ensuring the preservation of the 90 minute sailing time between the ports of Scrabster and Stromness.
Transport Scotland, Serco and NorthLink are working tirelessly to achieve a seamless handover in time for the contract start in July, and I myself look forward to sailing with the new operator soon.
Yours,
Keith Brown
Minister for Housing and Transport
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