The relocation of NorthLink’s call centre and administration operation to Kiln Corner in Kirkwall will be complete this week with staff operating out of the new premises from Thursday (June 12).

The lifeline ferry company had outgrown its premises in Stromness and required office space in which it could expand its call centre operation and provide a base to accommodate the company’s 20-strong reservations, administration and commercial team. The office at Kiln Corner has space enough for NorthLink’s administrative operation in Orkney to be housed under one roof and, moreover, offers room for further expansion when necessary.

NorthLink's reservation telephone line (0845 6000 449) remains unaffected by the move and customers will also be able to make reservations in person by visiting the new office from Monday (June 16) onwards. Customers should also note that a new administration telephone number will apply from Thursday. The new number is 01856 885500.

As a result of the relocation process, the administration team’s capacity for handling telephone calls will be limited on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 10 and 11) of this week.

Gareth Crichton, NorthLink’s commercial director, said: “The situation in Stromness - where we had staff divided among three locations - was far from ideal and to reunite the whole administrative operation under the same roof is a real bonus.

“The move to Kiln Corner is going very smoothly indeed and although our call handling capacity will be affected over the next couple of days, for which I apologise in advance, we are looking forward to providing greater accessibility and an improved service from Thursday.”