Northlink’s call centre and administration operation is to relocate to the office space at Kiln Corner in Kirkwall this summer.

The lifeline ferry company has outgrown its current premises in Stromness and now requires office space in which it can expand its call centre operation and provide a base to accommodate the company’s 20-strong reservations, administration and commercial team.

Staff have already spread into three separate Stromness offices and the move to Kiln Corner will allow NorthLink’s administrative operation in Orkney to be housed under one roof, as well as offering room for further expansion when necessary.

Gareth Crichton, NorthLink’s commercial director, said: “I am delighted to confirm NorthLink’s commitment to an Orkney base - this move makes sense for a number of reasons. Kiln Corner offers a custom-built call centre facility and high quality office space boasting disabled access and amenities not currently available in our Stromness premises. We will also have the opportunity to open up a ticket-selling outlet at Kiln Corner, a service we have been keen to provide in Kirkwall for some time. We will further benefit from the opportunity to work in close proximity to John Jolly’s operation and share meeting rooms with what is a key contractor for NorthLink.

“The current situation in Stromness - where we have staff divided among three locations - is far from ideal. Having considered our options very carefully, Kiln Corner stood out for the facilities on offer and the potential for further expansion on site.

“We will retain a strong presence in Stromness. Orkney & Shetland Touring Company, which runs NorthLink Cruise Tours and NorthLink Holidays will continue to operate from its Stromness base. In addition, up to 10 NorthLink employees will remain involved in the check-in and route management processes in the Stromness terminal.”