NorthLink Ferries will invest £50,000 over the next six months in supporting local charities, events and athletes in Shetland and Orkney.

The sponsorship funding will take the form of free travel and discounted fares and will benefit local sports stars and charity organisations. Since 2002, NorthLink has donated more than £370,000 in sponsorship funds.

Elaine Tulloch, NorthLink marketing manager, said: “NorthLink takes pride in its role of providing high quality ferry services to Orkney and Shetland and is fully committed to playing an active part within the local community.

“Our sponsorship programme is immensely popular and we have been inundated with sponsorship applications. We contribute extensively to charity work on both a local and world-wide scale. We feel that the variety of individuals and causes will enrich the islands’ social, cultural and sporting life. NorthLink has decided to continue supporting various talented sportspeople who have had our support since January 2004, and we are delighted to observe their progress and success.”

The young sports stars who have received continued NorthLink support include Orkney-based Bobby Oag, who competes on a national level in triathlon events, and Hannah Johnston, a member of the Scottish under 18 hockey squad. Shetland’s Roy Wood also obtained support, allowing him to attend Scottish national badminton squad training and competitions. Andrew Hamilton, a member of the Scottish karate team squad, recently acquired the discounted travel benefit of 50 percent.

Several local sporting groups are benefiting from discounted travel. These include Shetland Wheelers, Shetland Fly Fishers, Shetland Pony Riding and Driving Group, Shetland Sailing Centre, Shetland Rugby, Shetland Amateur Athletics Club, Shetland Dinghy Association, Shetland Football Club, Orkney Amateur Swimming Club, Orkney Rugby Club, Orkney Pony Club, Orkney Riding Club and Orkney Athletics Club. NorthLink is also supporting various cultural initiatives, including the Orkney West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society and the Orkney Traditional Music Group.

The Shetland Aid Trust, which NorthLink has supported for the last four years, is receiving free travel for its annual humanitarian mission to Albania.

The company will also be donating return travel vouchers to several local groups as fundraising prizes. Over 40 travel vouchers have been donated to groups such as the CAT scanner appeal in Shetland and the recent Cancer Research Relay for Life event in Orkney.

NorthLink is currently accepting applications for the next sponsorship tranche, which will run from 1 October 2006 to 31 March 2007. The closing date for all applications is 29 September, 2006. For further information or to request an application form, please contact the marketing department on 01856 885 500.