Latest Yell ferry disruption ‘incredibly frustrating’
CONTINUED disruption on the Yell Sound ferry service has been described as “incredibly frustrating” by the chair of the island’s community council.
Annette Jamieson also said the “lack of clear coherent messaging” from Shetland Islands Council around the recent disruption has been of “major concern”.
After getting back up to full strength yesterday afternoon (Thursday) the service is back to a single vessel operation today due to crew sickness.
It is running to the shift boat timetable, with bookings suspended.
It is the latest issue with the ferry service, with the Dagalien only returning to service yesterday from dry dock after delays.
Her delay in returning was put down to crew availability.
The Dagalien undertook sea trials ahead of her return to service, but on Wednesday night passengers were told that the following day was going to be single vessel as the ferry team was waiting on certification.
Chair of Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee Moraig Lyall said it is “hugely frustrating to have this situation arise so soon after the service returned to two vessels yesterday afternoon”.
“I can only imagine how difficult this news is for the communities in the North Isles, but everything possible is being done to find a resolution,” she said.
Jamieson said today’s disruption was frustrating for “all those who want to travel and do business within the North Isles”.
She highlighted that the route has been down to a single vessel since 16 May, during a “really busy time of year for businesses and tourists”.
Jamieson said that over the refit period the “impact of the single vessel, inconsistent comms and an unresponsive online booking system” affected the majority of ferry users, whether they were trying to get to the Shetland mainland or heading into the North Isles.
She added that the impacts have included the stress of trying to get to hospital appointments on time, travelling earlier than necessary to get to employment and postponing work in the North Isles.
Jamieson said this adds “significant cost to business” and disrupts delivery of services.
It followed repeated disruption on the Bluemull Sound service – accessed via the Yell ferry – when the Geira was late in returning from dry dock earlier this year.
On Tuesday next week councillors will decide on preferred future options on eight ferry routes.
For Yell and Unst there is a recommendation to focus on tunnels, with a dedicated ferry for Fetlar.
Jamieson said when councillors meet on Tuesday the current disruption should help them understand the “urgent need for fixed links between the North Isles”.
“In the interim we need a robust, reliant ferry service to ensure the retention of the current population,” she added.
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