Ferry rule action ‘urgent’

Farm leaders in Orkney are demanding urgent action to resolve a ferry transport issue which is preventing livestock from being moved off the islands of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.

They say the issue is causing serious cash-flow problems for the farmers involved and leaving stock on pastures which are no longer able to support them.

According to NFU Scotland’s Orkney regional chairman, Alan Corrigal, the problem is being caused by a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) ruling which sets down the required visibility standards from the ferry wheelhouse. This affects the height and length of vehicles which can be accepted on to the Orkney Ferries’ vessels serving the affected islands.

“On Wednesday this week, for example, a lorry arrived at the mainland port to cross to Rousay to collect 600 lambs which had been selected for moving off the island,” said Mr Corrigal.

“It was previously thought the lorry was within the required height/ length limits, but it was prevented from making the crossing. The lambs had to go back on to grass which is rapidly disappearing.”

He said the union has a meeting next Tuesday with Dr Kevin Woodbridge, chairman of Orkney Ferries, to discuss the problem.

The issue was also raised by Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat candidate for Orkney and Shetland, following a visit to Rousay.

He said: “The need for these regulations is not entirely clear.”

A spokesman for Orkney Islands Council said Orkney Ferries was investigating whether a new bridge superstructure on the ferry would enable it to carry vehicles and other cargo over 3.66 metres in height. He said other options were also being considered.