NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd is giving members of the public the opportunity to find out more about the company and its services when its roadshow arrives on the Islands next week.

The roadshow, which comes to Shetland and Orkney on the 12 & 14 June 2001 respectively, is part of the company’s ongoing consultation process and will give the public the chance to ask any questions they have regarding NorthLink ferry services which commence next year.

NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd is a joint venture involving Caledonian MacBrayne and the Royal Bank of Scotland. The company was awarded the contract and subsidy to run ferry services from the mainland to the Northern Isles by the Scottish Executive in December last year. NorthLink will take over from P & O Scottish Ferries on October 1, 2002.

NorthLink chief executive John Horton said: "This roadshow will give us an opportunity to answer any questions the public may have regarding NorthLink.

"It is our policy to consult as widely as possible and this islands’ tour is part of the NorthLink pledge to keep the public informed of all developments leading up to our operational launch next year."

At both locations a variety of display material will be on show - artist’s impression of the ships’ interiors, sample menus, fly around model of the three new vessels and an Introduction to NorthLink brochure - which will be informative and give people a flavour of the NorthLink experience.

Horton said: "This will be the first time that the public will be able to find out about the new revised fares for Islanders, which are significantly cheaper than standard fares.

"Our new Islanders’ brochure, which will be available at the roadshow, will not only provide information regarding fares but will also give an insight into NorthLink’s timetables, which have been constructed after considerable market research and will provide customers with more frequent services, lower fares, better departure times, speedier crossings and more choice.

"Public feedback as a result of this roadshow will help us develop the new lifeline services to meet the need of the islanders - for those wishing to travel as passengers, for businesses sending and receiving commercial goods and by making the beautiful Northern Isles more accessible for visitors."

Members of the public are invited to come along to the Toll Clock Shopping Centre, Lerwick, Shetland on 12 June 2001, 10.00hrs to 17.30hrs and the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney on 14 June, 2001, 10.00hrs to 17.30hrs, where NorthLink representatives will be on-hand to answer any questions and give an insight into NorthLink and its services.