NorthLink Ferries is to reintroduce its popular Islander Family & Friends travel scheme with discounted fares being available from today (September 14).

The scheme last ran between April and June of this year. It will once again see registered islanders invited to nominate up to six ‘Family & Friends’ households outwith the Northern Isles. All members of that household would then qualify for the 30 per cent discount currently enjoyed by islanders registered with NorthLink’s islander discount travel scheme.

The latest version of the scheme - which as before can be accessed only via the NorthLink website - will run from September 14 – December 18 and islanders wishing to participate can register online now at http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/family-and-friends-promotion.html and start nominating their family and friends. Existing registered F&F members can participate using the ID and passwords previously issued to them

The promotion, which applies to passengers and their cars but not cabins, will cover all Hamnavoe sailings across the Pentland Firth and all Hjaltland and Hrossey sailings between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles, excluding the Friday southbound and Sunday northbound services which prove to be popular with Islanders.

This is also an opportunity for any 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.

NorthLink commercial director Cynthia Spencer said: “The scheme returns by popular demand. I would urge those islanders who have not yet done so to register now for their Islander Discounts and then to nominate their six F&F households for the same 30 per cent travel discount.”