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

The sponsorship funding will take the form of free travel and discounted fares and will benefit a variety of local people and organisations. Since 2002, NorthLink has donated more than £420,000 in sponsorship funds.

Elaine Tulloch, NorthLink marketing manager, said: “As well as providing a high quality ferry services to Orkney and Shetland, NorthLink is fully committed to playing an active part within the local community.

“Our sponsorship programme is immensely popular and we are always inundated with applications. We contribute extensively to charity work and we feel that the variety of individuals and causes will enrich the islands’ social, cultural and sporting life. NorthLink has decided to bring a number of additional groups and individuals into the sponsorship programme and we are delighted to welcome them and looking forward to observing their success.”

The young sports stars who have recently joined the sponsorship programme include 12 year old Shaun Raeburn, from Kirkwall, who is a member of the North District Development Squad Swimming team and sisters Terri and Kelly Reid, from Cruan Riding School in Orkney, who will attend the British Show Jumping Association competitions thanks to NorthLink sponsorship. In Shetland, Inga Woods, from Gulberwick, is receiving sponsorship to compete in Scottish Athletics Cross Country.

NorthLink is always eager to sponsor individuals who contribute to the local community. Karen and Maurice Fraser, from Burra, Shetland, recently competed in the Amsterdam marathon in aid of the CAT scanner appeal, and received free travel to Aberdeen. Fraser Paul from Unst will be attempting to conquer Aconcagua in Argentina next January to raise funds for two local charities - Cancer Shetland and Mind Your Head. He will also receive free ferry travel from Shetland to Aberdeen.

Several local charities and groups in Orkney and Shetland are benefiting from discounted travel vouchers. These include The Swan, the Volunteer Centre, and the Hamnavoe Carers group. The Shetland charity, Dogs Against Drugs, will continue to receive a 30% discount when travelling South for the training of the dogs involved in drugs detection.

In Shetland, support is being awarded to Shetland Ladies Hockey Association, Shetland Women’s Football Club, Delting Dolphins Swimming Club, The Shetland Wheelers cycling group, the Shetland Baton Twirlers, Shetland Amateur Athletics Club and the Shetland Junior Netball Development Group.

NorthLink will continue to sponsor both Orkney and Shetland first XV rugby teams.

In Orkney, support is being awarded to the Orkney Trout Fishing Association, Orkney Amateur Swimming Club, Orkney Ocotpush Club, Orkney Volleyball Association, Orkney Hockey Squad to compete in Scottish Hockey Union District Cup, Orkney Pony Club and Orkney Badminton Association.

NorthLink is also sponsoring various cultural initiatives. The Splinter Youth Theatre from Shetland will receive a 50% discount on their travel to the Scottish Community Drama Association Festival in Aberdeen. The Birsay Drama Group in Orkney received travel vouchers.

NorthLink’s next sponsorship tranche will run from 31 March to 30 September 2007. Further information on this will be advertised early next year.