On Not Missing the Boat

Northlink Ferries, the company that runs services to Shetland, presents those who like to plan well ahead with a problem. Bookings are not being taken after July 2012. The reason is that their contract expires then. However, the process of tendering is not underway yet. The Scottish Government's Finance Minister, John Swinney, insists that all will be in place within the next nine months. There are, naturally, concerns that someone will end up missing the boat - either the authorities or the islanders.

Scottish Islands Explorer - aware of deadlines