Wishart quizzes Transport Minister on NorthLink ferry bookings
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has quizzed the Transport Minister on the booking system for the Northern Isles ferry route. Bookings beyond 30th September are not open.
Ms Wishart asked:
“Does the Minister consider that the Northern Isles ferry lifeline services are operating as best they can on overnight crossings, when booking a cabin is a struggle, booking a cabin with a vehicle is a struggle and booking dates beyond 30th September is not only a struggle but impossible because the booking system is not open beyond that date?”
The Transport Minister was unable to give a date beyond “as soon as possible” stating he would write to Ms Wishart with an indication of when bookings are expected to open.
Ms Wishart said:
“Shetlanders need lifeline services that are fit for purpose. We need action now from the Scottish Government to fix the ferry booking system as well as the known capacity issues.
“Being told to “book ahead” isn’t possible when Northlink can’t take bookings. Shetland residents have been telling me of their inability to book their passage on the Northern Isles route on the dates they want to travel.
“Cliff-edges, such as the one in place for bookings, creates a rush once new dates are released exacerbating the issue.
“The nature of island living means that many want to book their Shetland to Mainland travel now for the October school holidays and the festive period, something this central-belt focused SNP-Green Government do not seem to understand.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The full exchange can be found here.