News / Ferry and air disruption
STRONG winds and snow have caused some disruption to ferry and air services in and out of the islands.
While three flights from Aberdeen were able to land at Sumburgh Airport first thing on Thursday morning, a later arrival was cancelled while all flights to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh have been cancelled for the rest of the day. As a result some islanders have been left stranded in the central belt.
The early flight from Aberdeen, due in at 7.35am, landed at 9.40am, while the 8.40am arrival touched down at 9.52am. A flight was also able to depart for Kirkwall just over two hours late at 10.20am. The 2.05pm flight from Aberdeen arrived just over half an hour behind schedule.
Loganair said on Thursday afternoon: “Due to the ongoing weather conditions Loganair will not be operating flights in or out of either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports for the rest of the day on Thursday 1 March. Other airpots continue to be affected by weather.
“We strongly suggest you check if your airport is open before setting off. A further update will be posted today when we have more information.
“Updates for travel on Friday 2 March will be posted as soon as they are available.”
For customers due to travel in the next 72 hours, for refunds you can email refunds@loganair.co.uk and to rebook you can email bookings@loganair.co.uk.
Because staff were unable to make it into Loganair’s Glasgow HQ due to travel advice from Police Scotland, Loganair’s contact centre is closed on Thursday.
The company added: Please bear with us as we’re working in extremely challenging conditions, some of the worst Scotland has ever faced.
“Thank you for your patience and your continued support and please stay safe.”
MV Hjaltland’s scheduled arrival in Aberdeen at 7am on Thursday eventually docked at 10.50am, with the delay caused by swell and tidal conditions in the harbour.
The vessel will now depart Aberdeen for Kirkwall at 11pm on Thursday, arriving in Kirkwall at around 7am on Friday and eventually in Lerwick by 1.15pm. It is hoped the Hjaltland will then be able to set off on her southbound sailing at 5.30pm as scheduled.
MV Hrossey, meanwhile, had a delayed arrival into Lerwick at 9am and is due to depart for Aberdeen at 7pm. Her arrival in Aberdeen on Friday may be delayed until 10.30am, again owing to tidal and swell conditions.
Freight vessel MV Helliar’s sailing from Lerwick to Aberdeen at 6pm on Thursday has been put back 24 hours, while the northbound MV Hildasay will now sail from Aberdeen at 5pm on Friday.
A Shetland Islands Council spokesman said there had not been any travel disruption locally on Thursday morning, while all schools remain open. Any notable changes will be posted at www.shetland.gov.uk/adverseweather/default.asp.
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