Two of the three newly built ro-ro ferries soon to operate on the lifeline Northern Isles routes berthed in Leith today (September 23) as the vessels prepare to begin active service on October 1.

The occasion was marked with a civic reception onboard MV Hjaltland, one of the two sister ships that will operate the Aberdeen - Kirkwall - Lerwick route, before she set sail for her first cruise, taking over 100 passengers from the international travel trade round the east coast of Scotland and then on to Orkney and Shetland.

Guests toured the £30m Hjaltland, which has been built to the latest cruise ferry standards, and viewed the bridge, cabins, lounges, bars and retail space on board. MV Hrossey, Hjaltland’s sister ship, was berthed alongside.