Transport / MSP’s ferry pod safety concern in an ‘age of increasing misogyny’
SHETLAND’S MSP has called for NorthLink to take urgent action after further allegations of intimidating behaviour towards women in its ferry pod lounge.
In one reported incident, a woman is said to have woken up to find a man standing over her teenage daughter “making gestures that would indicate he wanted to shoot her”.
The alleged incident has been raised by Beatrice Wishart, who has written to Scottish transport secretary Fiona Hyslop about safety concerns in the pod lounges on board the Hjaltland and Hrossey.
Wishart said in an “age of increasing misogyny and aggression towards women the Scottish Government cannot ignore what it is being told about women’s safety”.
It comes after some people spoke out about feeling unsafe, including a woman who told Shetland News that she would not use them again.
Wishart referenced that very incident, and wrote she is yet to receive a “clear explanation” as to why safety was used as a reason for the removal of shared cabins a few years ago.
The MSP said women are “experiencing frightening incidents in the pod rooms”.
“The lack of the shared cabin option impacts on cabin availability for islanders, as it results in situations in which a single traveller must book a cabin which has space for multiple people,” Wishart concluded.
“A shared cabin is not an option that everyone would take up but it is a policy that was in place for decades and helped to reduce the cost of passage for many.
“The situation is untenable for my constituents who rely on the lifeline service and it must be addressed.”
In response, Serco NorthLink Ferries’ managing director Stuart Garrett said safety of “both our passengers and personnel is our absolute priority” and said that disruptive behaviour is not tolerated.
Wishart has also repeated calls for changes to the Northern Isles ferry service – which is contracted out by the Scottish Government to Serco NorthLink – including the reintroduction of shared cabins and a rolling booking system.
Last month she lodged a series of written questions to the Scottish Government about the Northern Isles ferry service, and what requirements it might stipulate in the next contract in line with passenger requests.
This included the return of shared cabins, the end of “cliff edge” dates for bookings and a rolling booking system open to passengers.
Responses cited that preparatory work is now underway for the next Northern Isles ferry service contract but this remains at an early stage.
They appeared to confirm there continues to be no plans to bring back shared cabins.
Hyslop also said she “fully appreciates the need to get bookings released in good time so that businesses and individuals can plan ahead”.
“The Northern Isles Ferry Services contract stipulates that the May CPI rate, which is normally published in June, is used as the basis for the following year’s fares increase together with any other cost pressures such as energy and staff wage increase,” she added in her response to Wishart.
“We will aim to confirm fares as soon as possible thereafter to allow bookings to be opened as early as possible.”
Hyslop added that the current contract, held by Serco NorthLink, is due to expire on 30 June 2028.
“Preparatory work to deliver the next generation of these services remains at an early stage,” she added.
This will also consider how the booking system can be operated to “maximise flexibility for customers”.
Wishart said: “There is certainly a feeling of frustration in the isles that transport to and from the islands is no longer seen by the Scottish Government as a lifeline service as the request of islanders seem to be repeatedly ignored.
“The view from the isles is clear – shared cabins should be an option for passengers. This is not an option that everyone would take up but it is a policy that was in place for many years and helped to reduce the cost of passage for many.”
Wishart disputed the transport secretary’s use of the phrase “introduce shared cabins” as this was a policy previously established.
She added: “I have long called for a system that can ensure we end the ‘cliff edge’ booking system currently in place, such as a new rolling system.
“Passengers are inconvenienced by not being able to book a return trip over Christmas, the current last possible date to book being 31st December 2025.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Serco NorthLink Ferries’ managing director Stuart Garrett said: “The safety of both our passengers and personnel is our absolute priority.
“The pod lounges are monitored by CCTV and all of our overnight passenger sailings have dedicated security personnel.
“We would encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences disruptive or antisocial behaviour to bring it to our immediate attention.
“Furthermore, I would use this opportunity to remind customers that we do not tolerate disruptive behaviour and passenger conduct of this type is simply not acceptable.
“Passengers found to be behaving inappropriately will be dealt with accordingly and the necessary action to ensure the ongoing safety of our passengers will be taken.
“We always investigate reports of disruptive behaviour fully, and if they are upheld, we will not hesitate to ban the offending passengers from future travel.”
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