Politicians, please sort the NorthLink booking disgrace
When I went to book the Aberdeen ferry on Monday, I was absolutely astonished. I was told that no, sorry, it was not possible to book for next year as the bookings were only open till December.
I was quite taken aback, but having asked again, I was told that the bookings might be open in October, but nobody was quite sure when. I was told to keep an eye on social media.
So, there we have it then, our lifeline service is unobtainable to book for next year.
Here’s a suggestion then for our politicians, both local and national. Rather than continue to allow the destruction of our island’s countryside, by washing their hands of the action that is obviously needed, and rather than indulging in fanciful billion pound fixed-link fantasies, can they please address an issue that they have at least some control over, namely … our ferry service.
It is an absolute disgrace that islanders and visitors don’t have access to our ferry service for next year.
Due to the completely inadequate provision of the service, especially in the summertime, how on earth is it that in this day and age bookings cannot be made.
It was suggested that the government hadn’t come up with costings for the service, but that in itself does not preclude bookings taking place. We can quite easily book hotels without paying for them in advance and I’m sure we are all aware that prices don’t remain static.
And in conclusion, I would like to say that this is no reflection whatsoever on the quite brilliant NorthLink staff.
Councillor Ian Scott
Scalloway
