Scottish budget provides 'sure footing' on mission to replace Orkney ferry fleet

Orkney Islands Council say Scottish Budget announcement has provided “sure footing” for its ongoing mission to replace the county’s internal ferry fleet.

The council said the budget gave “early indications that funding for Phase 1 for Orkney’s Ferry Replacement Programme has been secured.”

This followed this week’s budget announcement in Holyrood by the cabinet secretary for finance, Shona Robison.

There was no specific mention of funding for the Orkney Islands Council’s ferry replacement programme during the announcement.

However, the council said a £7.6bn country-wide capital investment programme means they’ll be able to take forward their ferry plans.

The Scottish Government has said the council will have “full flexibility” to use funding for the ferry replacement programme.

The budget still has to be agreed on by parliament.

Phase 1 of the Ferry Replacement Programme will see three replacement 60m vessels built.

These would serve the islands of Eday, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray, providing increased passenger, vehicle and freight capacity and significantly improved passenger facilities, with accessibility noted as a key requirement for the design.

Orkney’s council leader Heather Woodbridge called the budget “fantastic news” for the council’s plans.

She said: “At the moment, our team are working through a procurement process whereby we are identifying shipyards with an interest in, and potential for, working with us.”

As of next month, the council can move to working with shipyards on a contract to build ferries, she said.

She added: “The announcement confirms that new internal ferries for Orkney are now in motion, with work already underway to make them a reality.

“Assuming these budget proposals are agreed by parliament, this is a momentous day for Orkney.”

Meanwhile, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur seemed more cautious about the announcement.

The Liberal Democrat said: “I look forward to seeing more detail on the funding that will allow Orkney Islands Council to continue taking forward the procurement of new vessels for our lifeline internal ferry fleet.

“The principle of this funding has now been accepted by ministers, however.

“That is of enormous benefit to those living and working in our ferry-linked isles.

However, the Scottish Government has confirmed that Orkney’s council will be able to use funding as they see fit.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The budget includes an extra £11.4m of resource and £15.5m of capital for inter-island connectivity.

“Orkney will receive a share of that funding and would have full flexibility to deploy that to the internal ferry replacement programme.”