Northern Isles councils unite to tackle cash threat to ferries

SCOTLAND'S two most northerly councils are to make a joint approach to the government over a threat to ferry services to the Northern Isles.

The government is proposing 1 million in cuts to NorthLink's lifeline service to Orkney and the Shetland Islands and is calling on the passenger ferries Hjaltland and Hrossey to reduce power from four to two engines to save 300,000 in fuel costs.

Opponents of the changes claim they will make ferry crossings to the mainland up to one and a half hours slower.

Leaders of the two councils met yesterday. A spokesman said: "At today's meeting the two councils agreed that any deterioration in ferry services must be targeted to ensure minimum impact to the islands' economies and social networks.

"In the absence of sufficient information and alternative options, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council are unable to determine the impact of the proposals.

"The councils will therefore be requesting an extension to the consultation period to evaluate the potential impact of the current proposals and consider alternative options."