Ferry contract to go out for tender

The next Northlink ferries contract will go out to competitive tender next month rather than be awarded to a public sector operator, transport minister Humza Yousaf has told MSPS.

He said the move was what most Orkney and Shetland islanders wanted, and to comply with European law.

The winner is due to be chosen next summer.

Labour and the Greens described the move a missed opportunity to nationalise the service, which Mr Yousaf wants to happen eventually.