Northern Isles pupils call for passengers’ attention

Wednesday 11th July 2018

Northern Isles school pupils are calling for passengers’ attention with the introduction of refreshed safety briefing announcements on board NorthLink Ferries passenger vessels.

As part of the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People 2018, the lifeline ferry service chose four students from Anderson High School in Lerwick for the announcement on MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey and a further four pupils from Stromness Primary School in Orkney for the MV Hamnavoe recording.

Anderson High School pupils record the Hrossey and Hjaltland safety announcements at Radio Shetland

Speaking of the new on-board passenger announcements, Serco’s Managing Director at NorthLink Ferries, Stuart Garrett, commented: “On board safety announcements are an important part of our passengers’ journey, but something that can be overlooked, particularly by those passengers who regularly travel with us. By using children’s voices we hope to capture our passengers’ full attention, and use this as an opportunity to give our local young people a glimpse into the workings of the service. What’s more, on still summer evenings it’s really nice to hear the students’ voices echoing across the harbour before we set off to sail.

“As the Year of Young People progresses throughout 2018 we’ll be continuing to celebrate this special year with additional partnerships with the local community and its youngest residents.”

Stromness Primary School pupils recording the new safety announcement at Radio Orkney

Leah Hamilton from Stromness Primary School was one of the pupils chosen for the recording. She added: “It was great fun recording the announcement. It only took us a few attempts and we were pleased with the final message.

“We know that safety is important when travelling anywhere so we hope that the new announcement will help NorthLink Ferries’ passengers listen to the briefing and follow the steps carefully.”

For more information about NorthLink Ferries or to make a booking, visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk or call 08001114422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles).