Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 27 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government when the Northern Isles Ferry Service booking system will open for bookings for dates beyond 31 December 2025.
I fully appreciate the need to get bookings released in good time so that businesses and individuals can plan ahead. The Northern Isles Ferry Services contract stipulates that the May CPI rate, which is normally published in June, is used as the basis for the following year’s fares increase together with any other cost pressures such as energy and staff wage increase. We will aim to confirm fares as soon as possible thereafter to allow bookings to be opened as early as possible.