Wishart continues to push for 2026 ferry booking dates
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart has once again pressed the Scottish Government for clarity on the opening of NorthLink ferry bookings after the current booking ‘cliff edge’ of 31st December 2025. In a written question to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Wishart followed up a previous Scottish Government response suggesting the soonest dates might open would be in June following the release of May Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate. The CPI rate is used by the Scottish Government as the basis for the following year’s fares, including any decision to increase them, as the CPI indicates any cost pressures on the service such as energy and staff wage increase. The latest response, asked after the CPI rate was announced, referred Wishart back to her initial question submitted in March.
Ms Wishart’s latest question asked:
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-35682 by Fiona Hyslop on 27 March 2025, and in light of the CPI rate announcement on 18 June 2025, when the Northern Isles Ferry Service booking system will open for bookings for dates beyond 31 December 2025.
The response stated:
I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-35682 on 27 March 2025.
Beatrice Wishart commented:
“This latest nonchalant answer is indicative of the attitude of this central belt SNP Government. They simply don’t understand the issue.
“Ultimately the issue of ‘cliff edge’ bookings needs to be tackled with a rolling booking system. If it’s possible to book air travel well in advance I don’t see why it’s not possible with the NorthLink booking system. The adoption of “the computer says no” attitude is unacceptable on our lifeline service.
“In the meantime, we need decisions and openings as soon as possible. When previously questioned on delays to opening up dates, the Scottish Government indicated bookings can’t open until ministers make a decision on pricing for the next year, but local passengers tell me if that if they had to they would pay extra at a later date, or on departure, just so long as they can get their bookings made and confirmed for the dates they want to travel.
“People will be catching up with friends and family and thinking about future plans, and students will want to get their festive travel booked. We are repeatedly told to book sailings early but that is simply not possible if the booking system isn’t open.
“After all these years of this worn-out Government, I really shouldn’t be surprised at its lack of serious engagement on the issue.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Ms Wishart’s written questions can be found through these links: S6W-35682 and S6W-38870