Ferries hope to gain steam after lean period

Passenger numbers on northern isles ferries dropped by 95% during lockdown.

A reduced service was put in place by Northlink Ferries when lockdown was introduced.

Ferry use was restricted to key workers and essential travel for island residents, and 6,010 people travelled between March 22 and June 30, compared to 112,416 people in the same period last year.

A 93% drop in vehicles was recorded in the same period. Freight haulage – which was permitted to take essential supplies to the islands – saw a decrease of 16%.

Some £4.2 million was paid out to refund 10,004 cancelled bookings.

From mid-April to June 30, 4,863 journeys were regarded as essential, 42% of which involved workers in energy, fishing, agriculture or other vital sectors.

As part of the third phase of the Scottish Government’s map out of lockdown, ferry services can now increase capacity and accept any passengers – but a return to normal service is not yet expected.

The operator said it expected passenger numbers to rise in the coming weeks, with the reopening of the tourism and hospitality industries.

Ferry passengers were restricted to key personnel