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NorthLink Ferries will reintroduce its popular Islander Family & Friends discounted travel scheme next month after rising demand. The web promotion continues to offer lower cost travel to the Northern Isles for nominated non-islanders over the autumn months.

The discount scheme - which was launched in 2002 when NorthLink took over the running of lifeline ferry services between the mainland and Orkney and Shetland - was re-introduced this year for the months of May and June. This latest instalment of the scheme again gives registered islanders the opportunity to nominate up to six ‘Family & Friend’ households who live outside Orkney & Shetland to join the scheme.

All members of any nominated household accepting the invitation to join the Family & Friends initiative will then qualify when they book-online for the 30 per cent discount currently enjoyed by islanders registered for NorthLink’s Islander Discount Travel Scheme. Nominations to the latest roll-out of the F&F scheme, which will operate between September 1 and December 18, must be made online through the NorthLink website.

The promotion, which applies to passengers and their cars but not cabins, will cover all Hamnavoe sailings across the Pentland Firth. It will also operate on all Hjaltland and Hrossey sailings between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles, excluding the Friday southbound and Sunday northbound services.

This is also an opportunity for Orkney and Shetland residents not yet registered with NorthLink for the 30 per cent Islander Travel Discount Scheme to sign up. Only registered Islanders can nominate their chosen family and friends to participate in the F&F initiative. Nominees will then receive their unique ID and password, required for travel, direct to their own email address.

Cynthia Spencer, commercial director at NorthLink, said: “Both the Islander Discount Scheme and previous Family and Friends discount schemes have proven tremendously successful, so we’re confident that the latest roll-out will prove equally successful.

“The feedback from previous schemes has been extremely positive and growing demand and popularity has led to the Family and Friends scheme being offered again.

“We’re delighted to play a part in helping islanders’ families and friends travel to see relatives and friends in Orkney and Shetland, particularly at a time when other costs are rising and every penny saved can make a difference.”