URGENT UPDATE: Inter-island ferry services have reached a critical breaking point, with every route reduced to a single vessel amid ongoing repairs and disruptions. Moraig Lyall, chairwoman of the council’s environment and transport committee, confirmed that the situation has been dire for over a week, testing the limits of ferry resilience.
The troubles began when the Skerries ferry Filla was sidelined after snagging a rope, forcing the Fivla to shoulder all responsibilities alone. “It had to go south for repairs, so it’s away at the minute,” said Lyall. With three other vessels—Geira, Daggri, and Hendra—also in dry dock, the service is left perilously limited.
“This has been the case for the last 10 days,” Lyall emphasized, noting that four vessels are currently undergoing repairs or scheduled maintenance. While one vessel is expected back soon, the need for a new relief ferry could not be more urgent.
Recent reports indicate additional complications with the voicebank service, further complicating matters for ferry users. The Scottish Government has pledged £10 million in grant support to procure a new relief ferry, with procurement efforts having begun recently.
Councillors had previously discussed an outline business case for this vessel in September, but the immediate challenges on ferry routes have intensified, raising serious concerns about reliability. “The service is stretched to its limit at the present moment,” Lyall stated, underscoring the pressing need for a new ferry currently in the tendering process.
The relief vessel is part of the SIC’s latest asset investment plan, which includes projects for the new Fair Isle ferry and improvements at Fair Isle and Grutness Harbours. As the situation continues to develop, ferry users are left to navigate uncertain waters.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to resolve these critical issues impacting inter-island transport.
