NorthLink are running a competition in conjunction with The Shetland Times and The Orcadian, asking residents of Orkney and Shetland to suggest names for the three brand new vessels being built for the Northern Isles routes.

It is hoped that suggestions for the names of the vessels will reflect the rich culture and history of the Northern Isles, perhaps with a Viking theme. NorthLink’s chief executive, John Horton said: "We want the people of Orkney and Shetland to feel part of the new service and what better way than to have the vessels named by the islanders themselves.

"Although there are no restrictions at all in the names people suggest for the vessels, we want the names to assist in the promotion of the Northern Isles and the new services. We are hoping that the names will reflect the islands they serve, their rich history and culture, and the people who will sail on the them."

The prize for the winners is in two parts. Firstly there is a trip to Akker Finyards in Rauma Finland, to see the progress of the three new vessels being built. The second part is an invitation to be a VIP guest of NorthLink at the inaugural sailing of the vessels when they come into service in October 2002.

The competition will be judged by NorthLink’s chief executive John Horton, NorthLink’s commercial director Gareth Crichton, Vaila Wishart, editor of The Shetland Times, Robert Leslie of The Orcadian, Richard Whitaker of BBC Radio Shetland and John Fergusson of BBC Radio Orkney.