Less than one month on from the handover to a new operator, the ferry service from the Scottish mainland to the Northern Isles has experienced its busiest ever month.

During July, NorthLink Ferries carried more than 46,500 passengers to and from Orkney and Shetland, a figure unsurpassed in the 45 months since NorthLink first assumed control of the routes.

Responsibility for the provision of ferry services between the Northern Isles and the mainland passed to the new Caledonian MacBrayne-owned company on July 6 this year. Despite the new operator taking the reins during the busiest summer period, a smooth and seamless handover was effected, with the service continuing under the familiar NorthLink brand, which came into existence in October 2002.

The company has enjoyed particular success on the Pentland Firth route between Stromness and Scrabster, with an increase of 5.1% on last year’s figures which were, in turn, up on the previous year. In total, more than 31,000 passengers used NorthLink services in and out of Orkney during July.

Nearly 16,000 passengers travelled the Lerwick-Aberdeen route last month, a significant number of whom had been diverted to the ferry when fog-bound flights between Shetland and Aberdeen were grounded.

Bill Davidson, chief executive of NorthLink Ferries, said: “We’re very pleased with last month’s figures. They further extend an incredibly successful period of growth in passenger numbers on the routes and confirm the company’s position as the carrier of choice on the shorter Pentland Firth route between Orkney and the mainland. The fact that this growth has been achieved so soon after the handover to a new operator is testament to the hard work and commitment of NorthLink staff.”

NorthLink Ferries is now accepting bookings for travel in 2007. For more information on timetables and fares or to make a reservation, please visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk .