Funding made available at Ferries Taskforce meeting to ‘establish strong business case for ferries’

Orkney Islands Council has today (9 November) welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has committed to making funding available to the Council to take forward the first stage in its vital ferry replacement programme. 

The funding will be used to build an agreed business case for ferry replacement, providing the resources required for work to scope out options and to carry out physical investigative works around Orkney’s pier and harbours infrastructure.

Work will also be carried out to gather the views of isles communities on future ferry services

The funding commitment has been announced following today’s meeting of the ferries taskforce  in Edinburgh, with the Scottish Government also taking the opportunity to reaffirm their absolute commitment to the work of the taskforce, confirming that meetings of the group will continue next year. 

The taskforce was set up in December 2022 by then Deputy First Minister John Swinney immediately following the Scottish Government's budget statement and was charged with developing funding proposals for a new ferry fleet for Orkney.

Council Leader James Stockan said: “Establishing a strong business case for the ferry replacement programme, - that is funded by the Scottish Government, and also mutually agreeable to both parties - is an essential step in meeting the ongoing challenge of securing funding from Government for the programme. 

“Working on that business case together will put us on the same page in terms of what the final desired outcome should be. It allows us to truly question and scrutinise the existing estimated figures for a like for like replacement in a meaningful way.   

“It is my belief that the funding package announced by the Scottish Government today is an indication that they are truly committed to supporting us throughout this process – and I am expecting that commitment will continue as we move to full replacement of the ferry fleet.”