Transport / MSP calls for festive ferry bookings to be opened up as soon as possible
NORTHLINK ferry bookings for the New Year need to be made available as soon as possible, MSP Beatrice Wishart has said.
The current booking system extends only to 31 December 2025, with Wishart repeatedly pressing the Scottish Government on when passengers will be able to book travel for the start of 2026.
But transport minister Fiona Hyslop told Wishart this week there had been no change since she last responded to a question about the issue – over three months ago, on 27 March.
Shetland’s MSP said the Scottish Government “simply don’t understand the issue” many Shetlanders face when trying to book travel far in advance.
“We are repeatedly told to book sailings early but that is simply not possible if the booking system isn’t open,” Wishart said.
“This latest nonchalant answer is indicative of the attitude of this central belt SNP Government.”
The Liberal Democrat MSP questioned the Scottish Government in March when 2026 bookings would be made available to the public.
Transport minister Hyslop responded to say they would have to wait until the release of May’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate, so the government could decide on the fares for the coming year.
“I fully appreciate the need to get bookings released in good time so that businesses and individuals can plan ahead,” Hyslop said.
“The Northern Isles ferry services contract stipulates that the May CPI rate, which is normally published in June, is used as the basis for the following year’s fares increase together with any other cost pressures such as energy and staff wage increase.
“We will aim to confirm fares as soon as possible thereafter to allow bookings to be opened as early as possible.”
With the CPI announcement made on 18 June, Wishart again questioned Hyslop on when they could expect bookings to be opened up for 2026.
However the Scottish Government instead referred Wishart back to Hyslop’s previous response on 27 March.
Shetland’s MSP said a “rolling booking system” needed to be introduced to tackle the issue of “cliff edge bookings”.
“If it’s possible to book air travel well in advance I don’t see why it’s not possible with the NorthLink booking system,” Wishart said.
“The adoption of ‘the computer says no’ attitude is unacceptable on our lifeline service.
“We need decisions and openings as soon as possible.
“When previously questioned on delays to opening up dates, the Scottish Government indicated bookings can’t open until ministers make a decision on pricing for the next year, but local passengers tell me if that if they had to they would pay extra at a later date, or on departure, just so long as they can get their bookings made and confirmed for the dates they want to travel.
“People will be catching up with friends and family and thinking about future plans, and students will want to get their festive travel booked.
“After all these years of this worn-out government, I really shouldn’t be surprised at its lack of serious engagement on the issue.”
