News / Bressay ferry reborn
THE BRESSAY ferry Leirna is to be given a new lease of life with new engines and propulsion system.
The 21 year old Leirna is already approaching her use-by date, so Shetland Islands Council are taking her out of service for two and a half months to have her re-engined.
The smaller ferry Fivla will take over the short run across Lerwick harbour while Leirna is away.
With Fivla only being able to carry 11 vehicles compared to 16 on Leirna, the SIC are introducing one extra return trip in the morning to cope with the rush hour demand, leaving Bressay at 8.10am and returning from Lerwick at 8.20am.
Ferries manager Colin Manson said: “This work should allow Leirna to remain in service arguably for the next 25 years, though I would hope we would be able to replace her before she is 50 or 60 years old.”
This week local councillor Allan Wishart argued that Bressay residents should be allowed free transport on the ferry to help tackle the problems the community is facing, as the council starts consulting on closing the island’s primary school.
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