The new schedule has been drawn up following a formal consultation process involving all interested parties, including customers, the Scottish Executive, MSPs, Orkney and Shetland tourist boards, the Northern Isles’ councils, and local business forums.

In real terms, NorthLink’s fares remain as before. However, a 2.5% increase - in line with inflation – will apply across the rate card. A thirty per cent discounted rate will continue to apply for residents of the Northern Isles and special rates for local schools, community groups and other concessionary rates will still be available.

Passenger and freight sailings on the Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick route will not change, continuing to operate to the timetable that came into force in January 2004. Changes are to be made, however, to the Pentland Firth sailings between Stromness and Scrabster.

In light of the responses received during the public consultation process earlier this year, NorthLink have reviewed the early morning sailings across the Pentland Firth. While retaining six return crossings each weekday, the under-subscribed 0345hrs and 0600hrs sailings - out of Stromness and Scrabster respectively – are to be replaced by departures at the later times of 0630hrs and 0845hrs.

Respondents were consistent in their support for the continued provision of a late afternoon departure from Stromness and an evening crossing from Scrabster. With this in mind, MV Hamnavoe will depart Stromness at 1645hrs each evening, making the return trip from Scrabster at 1900hrs (arriving in Orkney at 2030hrs, where she will berth overnight). Weekend and seasonal adjustments will apply, in line with previous arrangements. Please see the full timetable for details.

NorthLink’s commercial director Gareth Crichton said: “Over the past 18 months we have worked hard to ensure our services dovetail with onward bus and train services. These revisions to the Pentland Firth service have also been made with this in mind.”

“The new schedule sees an increase in the total number of sailings on the Pentland Firth, with additional morning services provided at weekends during the summer season. As before, our winter weekend schedule will be flexible over key holiday periods such as Christmas, where demand often merits additional sailings,” Crichton added.

The revised schedule comes into effect on January 1, 2005. Customers can make reservations for 2005 now by phoning NorthLink’s reservations number – 0845 6000 449.

Additionally, full information on the new fares and timetables, as well as an online booking service, can be accessed via NorthLink’s website.

Please note that the fares quoted on the website are not islander rates.  A 30% discount is applied to the standard passenger and vehicle fares for those islanders registered with the company as being eligible for the island concession.