Yell shutdown cancelled

THE ESSENTIAL maintenance work on the piers for the Yell Sound ferries is now going ahead without disruptions to the travelling public.

Shetland Islands Council said on Friday that following discussions with the contractor an alternative engineering solution had been found.

Head of infrastructure services Phil Crossland said: “There were clearly significant concerns among business and private users at the level of disruption which would have been caused by cancelled sailings later this month. 

“Contractors and ferries staff have, however, come forward with an innovative solution involving off-site engineering, and limiting impact on the Yell Sound service.  Some of the work will also now be deferred till early next year.”

He said the change of plan would cost the public purse an additional £6,000 but added that he was pleased a solution had been found that would satisfy both the requirement for the maintenance work to go ahead as well as the needs of the community.