The leader of Orkney council won’t be backing calls for Orkney and Shetland councils to take control of the external ferries contract.
However, councillor James Stockan has said the local authorities should have more involvement and improvements could be made when it comes to the tendering process.
Mr Stockan has given his opinion following the depute leader of Shetland Islands Council (SIC), Gary Robinson, reiterating his belief that the island councils should take control of the contract.
Mr Stockan, a councillor for Stromness & the South Isles, said: “Whilst not advocating a move away from the contract being managed by Transport Scotland, my view would be that local authorities should have more involvement in the tender process and throughout the duration of the contract period to ensure that the service remains fit for purpose.
Council leader would push for input from the islands to be put to better use
“There are certainly improvements that could be made around what input we have as a local authority into the contract and any alterations that need to be made during the contract period.
In April 2020 Transport Scotland contracted Serco NorthLink Ferries to sail passengers and freight between Orkney, Shetland, and Lerwick.
The current, £450million ferry contract is due to run until June 2026. There is also an option to extend it by two years.
However, there have been issues with the service. For example, arrangements during the refit period and a lack of freight sailings.
Most recently, overcrowding has also been making headlines.
Plans for two new freight vessels are moving forward. These will be designed as “freight plus”, offering some capacity for passengers.
Mr Stockan added: “Orkney Islands Council were involved in meetings to discuss the previous tender. We proposed several changes around additional passenger accommodation and additional frequency.
“Unfortunately, Transport Scotland did not incorporate any of our proposed changes into the tender. Instead, it noted that the new contract would have more ‘flexibility’.
“We also previously attended a Northern Isles Ferry Services Consultative Forum. This has not taken place since the award of the new tender.
“In my view, these meetings should resume to allow key stakeholder involvement in the contract going forward.
Approach for more control of ferry contract would be an issue for Shetland council
Transport Scotland said it would be for SIC to consider whether they make an approach for control of the contract.
A spokesperson said: “We would seek to actively engage the council and key stakeholders in the specification of the next contract.
“We remain open to working with local stakeholders to consider any initiatives which are practical and offer value for money.
“The development of two new freight vessels is based on projections for increased freight. We are considering the option of having these designed as freight plus to accommodate passengers in peak season.
“This is subject to completing a detailed business case and availability of funding.”
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