Gales stop ferries

FRIDAY’S ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen has been cancelled due to forecasts of severe south westerly gales overnight on Thursday.

Ferry operator NorthLink announced on Wednesday afternoon that Thursday’s sailing of the Hrossey will leave Aberdeen at 5pm on schedule, but will berth at Kirkwall overnight before returning to Aberdeen on Friday night at 11.45pm.

Meanwhile Thursday’s southbound journey by Hjaltland will depart Lerwick on schedule at 7pm, but its arrival in Aberdeen may be delayed. The ferry is expected to leave Aberdeen on Friday on schedule.

Saturday’s sailings of both ferries are currently under review.

Friday’s northbound trip from Aberdeen of freight vessel Helliar has also been cancelled, while the freighter Hildasay is likely to leave Lerwick early on Thursday due to the forecast, but a final decision will be made on the day.

Shetland coastguard said that Force 10 south westerly gales were currently being forecast on Thursday night and Friday morning.