News / Lifeline not a mini-cruise
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is to raise group islander discounts and catering on board Serco NorthLink vessels when he meets the company’s chief executive Stuart Garrett on Wednesday.
The former transport minister said he had been contacted by many islanders who had voiced their concern with many of the recent changes on board the vessels.
Services company Serco was awarded the six year contract for the northern isles lifeline service in summer last year.
Last month, following a £1 million refurbishment of the Hjaltland and Hrossey which introduced upgraded reclining seats and public showers, Serco NorthLink announced a raft of changes to its on-board pricing structure.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Scott said: “It is disappointing that Shetland produce appears to have been dropped from the menus at a time when most consumers are pushing for locally sourced and traceable, trustworthy ingredients to be more available.
“This is a lifeline service, not a mini-cruise, for most Shetlanders. Services for those travelling on a budget, for whom getting from A to B is the main objective, need to be accessible without additional entrance fees and the feeling of segregation.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.