School pupils from the Northern Isles are briefing passengers and crew in newly vamped safety announcements on board three NorthLink ferries.
In celebration of the Year of the Young People 2018, students from Anderson High School in Lerwick and children from Stromness Primary School in Orkney were chosen to deliver vital safety messages on board the ferry services.
Stuart Garrett, Serco’s managing director at NorthLink Ferries, said: “On board safety announcements are an important part of our passengers’ journey, but something that can be overlooked, particularly by those passengers who regularly travel with us.
“By using children’s voices we hope to capture our passengers’ full attention, and use this as an opportunity to give our local young people a glimpse into the workings of the service. What’s more, on still summer evenings it’s really nice to hear the students’ voices echoing across the harbour before we set off to sail.
“As the Year of Young People progresses throughout 2018 we’ll be continuing to celebrate this special year with additional partnerships with the local community and its youngest residents.”
Announcements on the 117 cabined Hjaltland and Hrossey ferry services from Aberdeen and Lerwick have been voiced by the four Anderson High pupils, with their counterparts from Stromness Primary voicing the recording for the ferry Hamnavoe.
Leah Hamilton from Stromness Primary School was one of the pupils chosen for the recording. She said: “It was great fun recording the announcement. It only took us a few attempts and we were pleased with the final message.
“We know that safety is important when travelling anywhere so we hope that the new announcement will help NorthLink Ferries’ passengers listen to the briefing and follow the steps carefully.”
As part of working towards the Scottish Government’s Year of the Young People 2018, NorthLink Ferries announced earlier this week young people across the Highlands and Islands would benefit from two travel bursaries aimed at enriching their development.
The grants will be awarded to two lucky individuals to help fund entry fees, accommodation or travel expenses to attend a significant cultural or leadership event.
Over 300,000 passengers per year use the Northern Isles ferries, with Serco operating the service since July 2012.