Pssst, wanna buy a ferry, Nicola? (Your other ones aren’t exactly shipshape)
GIVEN her travails in trying to get two ferries built, Nicola Sturgeon could be forgiven for pouncing on one that is already up and running.
Well, she need look no further. The owners of John O’Groats Ferries have put their Caithness firm up for sale for offers over £1.25million after more than 50 years in the industry.
The ‘very reasonably priced’ package includes the company’s ‘efficient’ MV Pentland Venture vessel, a ferry office and private pier, as well as the business name and website.
The popular company runs wildlife cruises and twice-daily crossings between John O’Groats and Orkney during May to September, largely catering to tourists.
Owner Fred Fermor and his wife Deborah, both 60, have decided to sell after reaching the milestone birthday last week.
Mr Fermor said: ‘It’s a great little business. It has been successful for a number of years and very enjoyable – we could stay happily working for longer. But it just feels like it’s time to look forward to different adventures and to go out and explore the world.’
The company was established by Mr Fermor’s father-in-law in 1971.
Today, it caters for around 20,000 passengers a year and had a turnover of around £1million before the pandemic, according to Mr Fermor. He said: ‘Our income is sufficient and the business is very well established. Folk know all about us and we have provided a good service over the years.
‘There is no pressure to sell as such. We struggled a bit during Covid but we are into the recovery now and the balance sheet remains healthy.’
Mr Fermor said the job provides ‘fantastic work-life balance’, as well as the opportunity to live in stunning surroundings. He said: ‘In the winter, you can take it easy, walk along empty beaches, relax by the fireside or jet to warmer climes. In mid-summer the sun barely sets and orcas cruise past the little harbour with remarkable regularity.’
He said the opportunity could be perfect for a family looking to relocate, or even an arm’s-length management company. Despite only breaking the news to the firm’s ten crew members on Friday, Mr Fermor said: ‘We have had interest already. Anyone who is interested should get in touch with the company directly. We don’t have a preference about who takes over as long as someone does.’
And at offers over £1.25million – compared with £250million for the Scottish Government’s two stillunbuilt ferries – it certainly looks like a bargain.